Hello from Portland!

[duc_fan]

Hi all,

My name's Dan, and I live in the great wet Pacific Northwest. Portland, Oregon, more precisely. I'm a systems engineer for Rockwell Collins Head-up Guidance Systems - I work on heads-up displays for business, regional, and commercial jets. Some of our systems are also fitted to military cargo/tanker aircraft.

Interests (other than the obvious fact that I'm on here... :wink: ) include cars, motorcycles, airplanes, camera equipment, and other geek/motorhead/engineer things. My handle, "duc_fan" is related to my passion for Ducati motorcycles. I go by the same name on the Ducati Monster List (www.ducatimonster.org).

I found CC.net when looking for info on concealed carry weapons, holsters, and tactics. Lurked for a while, read some of the reviews and articles, and decided to join.

I'm currently in the market for a concealable carry handgun. After many, many hours of research I've narrowed it down to the Kimber Pro Carry II (or PC II HD), Dan Wesson Bobtail Commander, or HK USP 45 Compact. Tested a number of different handguns at the range, and came to the conclusion that the striker-fired guns just didn't do anything for me. I could shoot with them, yes, but they weren't a joy to shoot like the hammer-fired guns. I love SIGs, but most of them are on the wide side for carry (based on what I've read and seen). Between these and other factors, I arrived at my short list.

Anyway, I look forward to continued reading and learning! :D

[Stubob]

Have fun while poking around. There are a lot of folks here that know guns and may be able to help.

It is nice being an engineer and being able to make money at it!!!

Portland is a nice place.

I like your term "Lurked" for a while.... :) Please let us know how we can improve or help.

[VegasGeorge]

....came to the conclusion that the striker-fired guns just didn't do anything for me. I could shoot with hem, yes, but they weren't a joy to shot like the hammer-fired guns.

Welcome Dan! I'm very glad you said that. I feel exactly the same way about striker versus hammer fired guns, but I never actually formulated the thought. I really like my little Kimber Ultra CDP II, and now I understand why trying my friends' striker fired guns is always a bit of a let down. It really isn't the same.

I can't wait to hear which gun you pick for yourself! :D

[duc_fan]

Thanks for the welcome!

Stubob, as I spend more time here, if I see something that might be helpful I'll definitely let you know. http://www.ducatimonster.org/smf/Smileys/classic/thumbsup.gif

Figured I'd post an update here...

I went to the big gun show here in Portland (Rose City Gun Collectors' Knife & Gun Show), and had a chance to check out most of my options head-to-head. There weren't any Dan Wesson 1911s, which was a bit of a bummer.

My views changed slightly upon seeing all these options side-by-side. I've held them all before, and fired several of them before, but never back-to-back or side-by-side.

I found out that the Kimber 1911s are just as wide as the SIG P220, at least at the grip. The 1911 slide is a tick narrower, but boy, not by much. The advertised widths you can find on the web don't tell the whole story. I also held a Springfield XD (highly recommended for CC) up against the SIG P220. Remarkably similar width, and the Springer is much blockier. The SIG's more rounded profile says to me it would be more comfortable to carry (nevermind that it's WAY more comfortable in my hand).

The other option I was looking for was the HK USP 45 Compact. Remarkably similar in size to the SIG P220 Carry, though the HK was a tad lighter. The SIG was much more comfortable, though. For those not familiar, the P220 Carry is a Commander-sized 220 (full size grip frame with Cmdr-length slide, 3.9" bbl). The HK's blockier profile indicates it would be less comfortable to carry.

So, while I had discounted the SIG as being too wide, it turns out that after a head-to-head comparison, it ain't any wider than the competition, and the SIG is hands-down my fave handgun to shoot with.

Now I'm shopping around town to find the best price on a SIG P220 Carry, either the standard model, or the beautiful Equinox version. If I can get the Equinox for under $900 locally, I'll probably jump on it, otherwise my budget will have to take priority.

Gratuitous pics...
P220 Carry:
http://www.impactguns.com/store/media/sig/sig_p220_carry_black.jpg

P220 Equinox Carry:
http://www.impactguns.com/store/media/sig/sig_220_carry.jpg

[pioneer461]

Great list! Welcome aboard from another Portlander. I thought your handle referred to the U of O Ducks. 8)

Two things I don't trust. A pistol without a hammer, and air I can't see.


http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/pioneer461/Flags%20and%20Patriotism/356074_1738066.jpg

[duc_fan]

Great list! Welcome aboard from another Portlander. I thought your handle referred to the U of O Ducks. 8)

Two things I don't trust. A pistol without a hammer, and air I can't see.



My handle would also work for the UofO, as I'm a lifelong Duck fan as well. :wink: I guess I have a dual-purpose username!


Oh, one thing that someone on another forum noticed (I posted the same pics over there), the plain "Carry" model pic in my previous post is of the SAO variant. I'm in the market for the standard SIG DA/SA, which has controls like the Equinox pictured. I sadly had to write off the Equinox, as I can't get it locally for less than $950, and that's just too much money. I am thankful I have enough green for a regular SIG, though. I hear from others that they're worth it, and I know the ones I've fired have been a joy to shoot.

[DAN]

If you have not grabbed a Sig yet. Read ernieH's article on sigs and ask him what works for him. I have seen him shoot his sig he is agressive and
loves his Sig he doesn't baby it .
The SIG 220A was the issue 45 for the US Forest Service throughout the mid 80 and 90s. Great field gun.... But not a Hi Power or 1911.
Dan

[muzzletalk]

Welcome aboard Duc. Let us know what you finally decide. One thing to note, on the 1911, there are many custom features with one being slim grips. from what im gathering, this is one of your biggest concernts.

[hygyliac]

Hello Duc_Fan, welcome to the Forum.
If you are used to the 1911 platform, then the 220 Carry SAO is right up your line. Its a 1911 Commander disguised as a sig. It has a manual safety and no decocker. Sigs are a fine line of pistols, try shooting different makes and models before you plunge.