Ruger LCR

Official Website
Caliber: .22LR, .38 Special, or .357 Magnum
Capacity: 5 (8 in the .22)
Length: 6.5"
Height: 4.5"
Weight: 13.5 - 17.1 oz, depending on model
Average Cost: $550-$600

The Ruger LCR is a double action revolver and comes in .22 LR, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum.  They also just recently became available with Crimson Trace Lasergrips.  For the purpose of this blog, I will be reviewing the .357 because it is what I am most likely to buy.  The .357 can shoot .357 rounds or .38 special rounds, making it a very versatile revolver.

One of the best things about the Ruger LCR is its trigger.  I have tried it out at the local gun shop and it is great!  I also like the way it fits in my hand.  The overall size of the Ruger LCR is a little larger than some of the small 9mms, but not by too much.  I have read a lot of men complaining about the recoil of a .357, which is a concern for me, but I was told the recoil is about half with .38 special loads and the ballistics of a .38 special are very similar to 9mm so that's probably what I would start with.

What brought me back to thinking about the LCR is the fact that, in addition to being a great concealed carry weapon, with .357 loads it would also make a great bear gun when fishing.  I have a .45 auto, which will work for bears, but the LCR would be much nicer to pack around all day.  The biggest concern I have with it, however, is the fact that it only holds 5 rounds.  Regardless of how many rounds you have to work with, though, you need to make your shots count.  It only takes one round to stop an attacker if placed correctly.  Also, they do make speed loaders like this one, which allow you to reload quickly when needed. 

The great thing about a revolver like this is reliability.  The gun is always going to go off - no stovepipes or failures to feed here.  That does offer some added peace of mind.  The LCR, like other revolvers, does not have any safety mechanisms (besides the long, double action trigger pull), so if this makes you uncomfortable you should get a semi automatic pistol with an external safety.  Just remember, a revolver like the LCR is as simple as it gets - just point and pull the trigger; no safety to flip off, no slide to mess with, just shoot it.

From what I've read in the forums, everyone who owns an LCR seems to love it.  It is definitely a contender for me!

Kahr CM9 Update

I went in and looked at a Kahr CM9 yesterday and learned a couple of new things about it.  First of all, the slide wasn't all that difficult to pull back.  It was the slide release that was a royal pain in the butt.  The guy at the gun counter said they loosen up after a while, so maybe it will get reasonable by the end of the break-in period. 

I also tried the trigger out and found that the point at which it goes off seems unnaturally far back.  I don't mean that the trigger pull was just too long, but the position at which the gun is supposed to go off was strange.  It was like I had to adjust my grip to get my finger to bend that far back.  I do have long, slender fingers, so maybe that had something to do with it.  My husband didn't seem to think it was an issue.  Also, I had been shooting my .45 auto earlier that day so I suppose that could have come in to play.  All-in-all it isn't a deal breaker, but it is a slight cause for concern.  I don't know whether one could have some work done on the trigger to alleviate the problem or not.  It does leave me thinking more about the Ruger LCR, which has a great trigger, but I don't think I'm up for that much recoil.

Kahr Update

I did some more research and found that the Kahr CM9 is almost identical to the Kahr PM9 below but a couple hundred bucks cheaper.  From what I understand, the only difference is the barrel.  The PM9 has a higher quality barrel, but I've heard the CM9 is great also, so I am seriously considering it now.  I think you can get them for around $450.

Kahr PM9

Official Website
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6+1 or 7+1 (with optional extended magazine)
Length: 5.42"
Width: 0.9"
Height: 4"
Weight: about 16 ounces
Average Cost: $600-$700

Most people seem to like the Kahr PM9.  With proper break-in it seems to be very reliable and comfortable to shoot.  It is very small and lightweight for a 9mm, making it easier to conceal and carry.  Also, it sounds like the recoil is manageable.

 The Kahr PM9 does not have any external safety mechanisms.  This is nice in that you don't have to think about switching your safety off in a stressful situation, however you will need to make sure the trigger is protected at all times when you are not shooting it to prevent accidental discharge.

I have read some complaints about Kahr's customer service, but some people have had positive experiences with their customer service as well.  Some people are concerned about the Kahr's polymer frame (as opposed to steel), but I have not read any real evidence to support their concern. Another concern is that the slide is kind of hard to pull back.  This is something to think about, especially for women.  I tried it in the store and it is a bit stiffer than I'm used to, but doable. 

I have held a PM9 and it feels great in my hands.  I also really like the size, although I wish it was a little more rounded like the Ruger LC9.  My main concerns with the Kahr are the high price tag and the fact that Kahr is essentially owned by the Unification Church. Call me crazy, but I'm not sure I want to financially support a cult.

Update

I wanted to review the Ruger LCP because I think it's a great gun for those of you who are set on a .380, but the next 3 firearms are the ones I am most seriously considering: the Kahr 9mm, Ruger LC9, and the Ruger LCR.  Eventually I also want to compile a list of where to go for concealed weapons information for every state.  Keep checking back.  My goal is to provide something new each week.

Ruger LCP

Official Website
Caliber: .380 Auto
Capacity: 6+1 (this means you can have 6 in the clip plus 1 chambered)
Length: 5.16"
Width: 0.82"
Height: 3.60"
Average Cost: around $300


From what I've read, this is a great little gun if you decide to go with a .380.  They had some issues with it when it first came out, but it sounds like they were quickly resolved.  Based on what I've read in various gun forums, Ruger seems to have good customer service if you do have any problems.  My brother-in-law has an LCP and has never had a problem with it.

Most LCP owners seem very happy with their purchase, but some people have complained about a heavy and/or long trigger pull, as well as accuracy problems.  I think these complaints are due to inexperience, though because these are normal for this type of gun.  Many concealed carry pistols will have a heavy/long trigger pull to help prevent accidental discharge of the firearm.  Also, with any gun this small it is very difficult to shoot accurate groups.  I would recommend going to a store to get a feel for how the gun fits in your hand as well as what the trigger pull is like in comparison to similar guns.  There may be other guns in this class that outperform the Ruger LCP, but overall it is a great gun for the money.  I am fairly certain that I want to go bigger than .380, but if I were to buy a .380 I would go with the Ruger LCP.

Basic Carry Methods

There are a lot of methods used to conceal and carry your firearm, and these should be taken into consideration before purchasing a firearm.  For example, if you decide that you want a larger gun for more recoil control and/or knock down power, you will likely be limited to carrying it in your purse, rather than on your body, which restricts access to your gun in certain situations.  Here are some common and not so common carry methods along with links to examples of each.  Remember, I have not yet purchased a concealed carry gun, so I have not tried any of these out.  This is just a summary of the information I have found. 


SHOULDER CARRY
Using these style of holsters, the gun will rest between your upper arm and your ribcage.  This method works best if you have a loose, button up shirt on or a jacket to conceal it (just remember, you won't be able to take your jacket off if you get too warm). Depending on what you are wearing, the gun may be difficult to get at quickly.  However, many people find shoulder carry to be the most comfortable, especially if you are going to be sitting down at all.  Shoulder carry tends to work better for semi autos than revolvers because they will lay flat against your body, whereas a revolver is rounded.

Examples: Deep Conceal MAX Double Strap Concealed Carry Holster, Galco Classic Lite Shoulder System


INSIDE THE WAISTBAND
Inside the waistband holsters are a pretty common choice due to accessibility and conceal-ability.  It is pretty easy to hide a small pistol inside your waistband, and you can draw your weapon much more quickly than with other concealed carry methods.  These holsters hold your gun on the inside of your waistband so that only the grip or butt of the gun is sticking out.  Most people wear them in the front of their pants just inside of their hips, but some wear them in the small of their backs.  This type of concealed carry can be uncomfortable particularly when sitting.  If you choose to go with this method, you will likely need to go up a pant size or two to accommodate the firearm.

EXAMPLES: Galco Tuck-N-Go Inside the Pant Holster, DeSantis Summer Heat, Galco Push Up

ANKLE CARRY
Ankle carry holsters secure your firearm to your ankle.  This can make your gun very easy to conceal if you wear loose or flared jeans, but it can be uncomfortable having the added weight on one ankle all day.  It can also be difficult to draw your weapon quickly because you have pull up your pant leg and reach down there to get it.

EXAMPLES: DeSantis Apache Ankle Rig, Galco Ankle Glove


POCKET CARRY
Pocket carry probably won't work for you if you are a woman.  They just don't make our pockets big enough.  However, if you already wear loose fitting jeans with large pockets, it might be an option.  Most pocket carry holsters cover the muzzle and trigger if the pistol, keeping lint out of your barrel and preventing accidental discharging of the weapon.  They are also shaped in a way that keeps the shape of the gun from showing through your pants (commonly referred to as imprinting).

EXAMPLES: Uncle Mike's Inside-the-Pocket Holsters, DeSantis Pocket-Tuk, Kramer Pocket Gun Holster


PURSE/FANNY PACK, ETC...
This method is pretty self explanatory.  You can use a purse, fanny pack, mock day planner, or other off-the-body items to conceal your firearm.  I personally don't think this is a good method of concealed carry because whatever you have the gun in could be easily taken from you before you get your gun out.  However, if you simply cannot conceal a firearm on your body, make sure to use a purse (fanny pack, etc...) that is specifically designed for concealed carry.  They have a special compartment dedicated to your firearm and nothing else.  If you have other junk mixed in with your gun they can make it difficult to access quickly, or possibly cause it to discharge.  Purses and other off-the-body holsters meant for concealed carry are quite expensive, which is another downside to off the body carry.  However, they do allow you to carry a larger gun.

EXAMPLES: Designer Concealed Carry Handbags, Coronado Leather Concealed Carry Cross-Body Messenger Bag, Galco Defense Planner Concealed Carry Case, 5.11 Tactical Select Carry Pistol Pouch


BRA HOLSTERS
As more women take up concealed carry, new products are being designed to accommodate the female body.  One of these new developments is the bra holster.  This holster straps on to the flat part of your bra between your breasts.  The idea is that the way your boobs hold your shirt away from your body will conceal the gun, but this method will not work for everyone.  There's no way it will work for me, anyways!  You are also very limited in size and weight of the gun using this method.

EXAMPLES: Flashbang Holster

Things to Consider

As you likely already know, there are a lot of factors you need to consider before purchasing a firearm for concealed carry.

COMFORT/SIZE OF FIREARM
Comfort and the size of the gun are probably the most important aspects to consider when buying a concealed carry pistol.  A gun isn't going to do you any good if you don't have it on you.  You need to chose a gun and holster you can comfortably wear and easily conceal for long periods of time.  Regardless of the weapon you choose, you will likely need to make some adaptations to your wardrobe to accommodate the firearm, but the smaller the gun is, the easier this will be to do.  You also want something that fits your hands well.  People assume that a smaller gun will be better for women because their hands are smaller, but I happen to have long fingers and find the smaller concealed carry pistols a bit awkward to grip.

CALIBER
The caliber of the firearm is also an extremely important consideration.  You want something big enough to stop your attacker, but you still need a gun that is small enough to easily conceal, and that has manageable recoil.  Here are the most common calibers used for concealed carry:

.380 - Examples: Ruger LCP, Kahr P380, Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380, Walther PK380
These guns are very small which makes them easy and comfortable to conceal.  However, many people would argue that a .380 doesn't have enough knock down power to reliably stop an attacker.  I have also read that because these guns are so small and lightweight, they are quite snappy.  Recoil is something you can learn to manage with practice, but if it is a big concern to you, you may want to go with a larger, heavier gun.

.38 Special/.357  - Examples: Smith and Wesson J-Frame Revolvers, Ruger LCR
These are revolvers that come in either .38 special or .357 mag.  I think most people will tell you that .38 special is an adequate round for concealed carry, but some may urge you to go with a .357.  If you get either gun in a .357 you can also shoot .38 special rounds with it.  It is usually about $50 more for the .357 but I think it is worth it for the added versatility.  In regards to recoil, I have heard some complaints (from men) that they are a bit snappy, but if you or someone you know reloads ammo, you can probably come up with a lighter load that is easier to shoot but still hot enough to stop an attacker.


9mm - Examples: Ruger LC9, Smith and Wesson M&P Compact 9mm, Kahr PM9, Kahr CM9, Kimber Solo Carry, Kel Tec Pf9

Although these guns are a bit larger than the .380s, I think they're a great option for concealed carry.  They have sufficient knock down power, along with pretty good recoil management.  From what I have read, most of these 9mms kick less than the .380's.  I think it is because they are a little heavier.  Their larger size also makes them easier to grip comfortably if you have medium to large hands.

You may wish to consider a small .45 acp, but from what I understand these will have some pretty serious recoil and be a bit larger than the 9mms.  I shoot a full size Colt 1911 and a Kimber Pro Eclipse II (4" barrel) at max loads with no problems, but I think going down to a 3" barrel adds a lot of recoil.  I haven't shot one, but based on what I have read most women would not feel comfortable with one.

REVOLVER OR SEMI AUTOMATIC
This is a big one for some people.  Here are the basic pros and cons of each.

Revolver
Pros: Easy to operate - just pull the trigger
Cons: Slower to reload, no safety mechanisms

Semi Automatic
Pros: Hold more rounds, faster to reload, most come with multiple safety features
Cons: A little more complicated to operate, some slides can be pretty hard for women to pull back, can have feeding issues (jam up)

Overall, it just depends on personal preference.  I think I'm going to get a semi auto because they are a little smaller, hold more bullets, and are faster to reload.  However, I do like the simplicity and reliability of a revolver.

COST
It will be helpful if you decide on a budget before looking for a gun, in order to narrow down your search.  You can get a good quality concealed carry pistol for $300 - $600, depending on what caliber you decide on.  Of course you can spend more on something a bit nicer if you want. 

Introduction

As a woman, I realize I am at an increased risk of being attacked by human predators, whether it be rapists, thieves, or just plain crazy people.  Although an attack is statistically unlikely, it does happen and I want to be able to defend myself against such people.  That is why I am pursuing a concealed weapons permit and the perfect firearm to defend myself with.  The more I search the web for the perfect concealed carry pistol, the harder time I have making a decision.  There are a lot of different opinions out there, as well as a lot of different factors that go in to deciding which firearm is best for you.  There also seems to be a lack of good information on concealed carry that is specifically for women.  That is why I started this blog.  As I continue my search for the right weapon for me, I will post the information I find on specific guns and accessories to better help others like me make an informed decision.  Not only does buying a firearm cost a lot, but you are going to be depending on it for you life, so you need to weigh all the options before making a decision.