Mainly looking for one to keep in my vehicle, but would like something to carry as well if I wanted. Been looking at the Springfield XDS... Also, is there one caliber ammo harder to find than another? Was looking at a 9mm...

Glock.

Ruger LC9s.

Keltec PF9.

Tell me why one is better than the other. I admit I am pretty ignorant on the subject!

The best thing you can do is to inform yourself before you buy. Go somewhere like Hover Tactical and handle a bunch of different ones and even shoot some.

With a semi,you need to know how to clear a jamb and the triggers will be different on all of them. Some have a safety,some not. There are two schools of thought on safeties. Basically you need to talk extensively with some folks that can inform you.

Yeah, that's what I've been doing. Want to get as much feedback as I can. I own plenty of guns but have never owned a handgun. Been marinating on it for about two yrs now!!

A man needs plenty of handguns.

For what you said, I wouldn't get a Sub-compact ( Keltec, LC9, XDs). A mid size will be MUCH easier to shoot and hold more ammo.

My first place to look would be the XDm 3.8, M&P Compact, or the G19( the G19 is 9mm and the other two are available in 9). Regardless of what you pick, I'd start with the 9 due to ammo price and low recoil.

All 3 are solid, proven guns that will go bang every time you pull the trigger. Go hold them and shoot them if possible. I'd wager there is an Aldeer member that is close enough you can shoot each of these or rent from a local range.

Also, watch the classifieds here on Aldeer. You can get some great deals on some firearms.

I have a 40 caliber XDm 3.8 that I CC, love the gun and actually can be CC without any problems, holds 16+1 rounds.

I carry an XDs 45. Very happy with it. But as recommended, go to a range and shoot diff models and pick the best one that fits you.

Glock 19

Xdm 3.8 > xds 3.3 IMO.

Glock 26/27 for typical CC and a polymer .380 for carry in pocket.

Based upon what you have stated as never owning a handgun, I would go with a revolver in 38 special. Less complicated and all you have to do is pull the trigger. Guaranteed to work most everytime, alot more reliable than an auto IMO, I have both but the revolver would be my choice for you. Also you can go with an airlight framed revolver and this will be great for cc, the ruger LCR has an incredible trigger, look at those and the smiths.

glock 19

Glock 23 if you want a 40 S&W.
Glock 19 if you want a 9mm.
You could go with a Glock 29 if you want more horsepower!

Probly gonna go and put my hands on some of these and compare. Thanks for the info! I hope I never have to use one for anything other than target practice, but I would hate to be put in a situation and not have the option.

S&w shield is very concealable and fits my larger paws pretty good.

I like the way a smith and wesson m&p feels. That's what i carry in my vehicle. For concealed carry I like my sig p938 9mm. The drawback is its a low capacity auto. 7rnds. Its real hard to beat a glock for reliability and finish. They resist corrosion very well and arent as expensive as some handguns.

find a range that rents revolvers and pistols; or friends that will let you shoot theirs. try as many different makes/calibres (calibers) as you possibly can. wear ear protection. when you find one you want and purchase it, spend plenty of time practicing...and never stop.

I'll second that. My hands are about as big as they come, but its still the most comfortable of the sub compacts IMO, and i get to keep my 40. It's as small as i would go in an auto, but its the most comfortable IWB carry piece I've had.

I used to carry a Jframe 99% of the time, but the shield has replaced it for all but pocket carry. It's what I had the other night when I thought I was going to have to use it, and I'm comfortable with that.

One other plus with the Shield ( As well as all the M&P line) is that the slide is stainless under that black finish. I CC mine IWB all day while mowing and weed eating, etc. I sweat like a horse, but zero corrosion. The longer i have this gun, the more I'm impressed with it.