^ Just buy some extended clips for that 19, available through Glock or gun dealers.

 

[QUOTE=GPMike,Jul 28 2008, 07:28 PM] First thing you should do before buying is take a firearms course.

 

Just my personal opinion, but a .45ACP would be ok, but a Colt .45 has more powder that I would want to carry for personal protection.

However.......

If you take it to a shooting range, and start with the lightest grain ammunition that you can get, you might find it quite comfortable. A gun is like a pair of shoes. Just because everyone might be recommending Nikes, that does not mean that you will find them comfortable.

 

I agree 100% on the class. Do that before you buy a gun!

vtec9, how do you like the pocket clip on the PF9? I didn't like it on the P3AT at all. BTW, I've fired the P3AT and the Ruger LCP back to back. There's enough difference to make the LCP much better.

 

Yes, what he said.. you need to find something that is not only comfortable to hold and fire, but is also within your ability to manage and control. A .50 cal desert eagle for example, wouldn't fit within the parameters. Sure, you could blow a hole through someone, but what happens if you miss on the first shot and by the time you recover and aim for a second shot, the guy assaulting you with a sub-compact 9mm has gotten off three shots? It probably wouldn't end well for you. Now thats certainly an extreme example, but it just goes to show a point. You need to strike a balance between stopping power, recovery time, accuracy, and precision.

I think you would be able to manage a .45 ACP.. I'm 5'10.75", an athletic 170, and I handle it just fine. I agree with wizard8100 though.. I wouldn't want to wield a Colt .45 in any personal defense situation.



Colt .45 second from the left, .45 ACP, and Glocks super cute .45 GAP are the right most two..

 

That's actually not my Pf9.. I just wanted to show the differing definitions of sub-compact, so I googled. I carry mine in a DeSantis SuperFly pocket holster

 

A/S/L????


















That extra 3/4 of an inch really makes all the diff

 

I appreciate the info and I think I will be taking it to the range the next time I'm in town visiting me folks.

 

Um, should we really go there with this... :-o
I've got an inch and a quarter on him anyway. That makes me more man.

 

Thanks for all of the input. You've made my membership fee worthwhile with this thread alone! I will be visiting and renting from the range tonight. www.pistolpeople.com