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Hi Dennis, So many choices here. Striker-Fired Pistols Are Popular For Good Reason - One could be forgiven for thinking hammer-fired pistols are becoming a thing of the past, as striker-fired pistols have become so wildly popular. They're ubiquitous, really, as a growing amount of gun manufacturers make them. However, due to a relative lack of safety features (many models lack a positive safety) there are a number of people that think striker-fired for concealed carry is hazardous. In truth, such pistols are completely safe when handled properly.. Obviously, striker-fired pistol designs are associated with Glocks. However, Glock did not invent them, nor the passive integrated trigger safety or polymer frame. Iver Johnson beat them to the punch regarding the trigger in the 1890s and the polymer-framed, striker-fired DAO H&K VP70 was released in 1970. However, the Glock 17 made the design wildly popular, as the ease of use (and fantastic reliability) of Austria's biggest export since fr

CONTINUED- Both Striker Fired and Hammer Fired Have Pros and Cons - Striker fired and hammer fired pistols have their advantages and disadvantages when carrying concealed. Striker pistols usually don't have a positive safety that has to be deactivated in order to fire. When a threat presents itself, one merely has to draw and squeeze the trigger. By contrast, a pistol with a hammer may need to be cocked or have the manual safety disengaged before it can fire. Likewise, a DA/SA pistol will have a long first trigger pull, which can throw off some people's aim. Hammer-fired pistols also have a hammer sticking out. While being concealed on one's body, the hammer can dig into the flesh of the wearer in some cases, though this can be countered with a holster that has adequate protection. The lack of a manual safety is likewise a deal-breaker to some people. However, some striker-fired pistols can be obtained with a manual safety (such as the Smith & Wesson M&P line, which can be had with or

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STOP go to a range that rents guns and try as many as possible BEFORE you buy anything. Find out what you like then buy

Dennis, for a carry pistol I would go for a "Striker Fired" pistol with no manual safety. Any firearm is only as safe as it's operator and what a proper holster provides. The pro is that if needed in a high stress scenario you simply draw and shoot. this gives you every advantage compared to that extra second to disengage a safety or have to fiddle with any other control other than the trigger. Striker fired is the way to go in my opinion. He who gets the shot off first and accurately usually survives the encounter.

Spend as much money as you can (the ammo to learn to use it will far outstrip the cost of buying it) on a quality pistol like a SIG P series or CZ 75 Compact. The most important aspect of using any tool is buying quality (do not get a Taurus!) and learning to properly use and maintain it. You are probably going to use it to defend yourself and your loved ones so get serious and take a class to learn to shoot whatever you get.