we are going gun shopping this weekend, what's good for easy to handle and easy to maintain? 

I prefer the Colt .45ACP Combat Commander.
It is thinner than the Glock and easier to conceal.
Plus, being a 45, it will get the job done if necessary. 

Desert Eagle .50 

Just look for something that feels good in your hand. Also consider the size and weight as you will be lugging it around with you. Revolver or semi auto. Everyone will tell you something different. Ruger makes a few nice guns that you can put in a cell phone pouch. Beretta has the 92fs that is extremely reliable and easy to shoot. Some people like glocks. Remington just came out with their R-51 that is a subcompact that people seem to like. 

My first gun was an H&K 40, I was just never comfortable with it, it was just to big to conceal. When I decided to start looking again I was able to handle and shoot several different guns. The gun I love and can conceal with an inside the pant holster is the Ruger LC380. I can conceal it wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I prefer my gun on me, not in my purse. Good luck with your search. 

I like the Sig 938. Fits great in my hand. 

Take a look at the Bersa Thunder .380 it's a Walther knock off but shoots well and wont break the bank. 

I have a Ruger .380..... I am a woman... It was not very expensive and I don't have trouble shooting it. Very compact. 

...The one you can shoot ACCURATELY under stress. 

none.... 

I am a fan of the new glock .380. In the meantime, I continue to carry my t Taurus .380. Small enough that is holster looks like a cell phone case.
If anyone tells you about "stopping power" and insists you need a .45, listen to someone else. 

I have to second the Colt Commander .45. Excellent weapon. 

CHL + Loaded Gun = DEAD, at WalMart...  

"CHL + Loaded Gun = DEAD, at WalMart... "

Only if you are a tactical disadvantage, but its okay Zapper, we all know you are not known for common sense 

If anyone tells you about "stopping power" and insists you need a .45, listen to someone else.?

studies show the most effective pistol round is the lowly 22

Terminal effect of rounds - statistical analysis 

"studies show the most effective pistol round is the lowly 22""

ehhh not really. It will kill but it is very unpredictable. It can easily over penetrate. It also does not deliver enough energy transfer to be effective. .45 is not the most effective round, 10mm is a much more effective man stopper, but it is expensive and very hard to find. 

you need to handle and fire the guns if possible. As a woman with thin long hands I prefer the PPK 9mm. I have a Ruger as well but its recoil hurts my hands. The PPK has less recoil and almost no kick. Makes for a dead on shot :) 

Please read the report before you comment. In a 10 year study of gunfights, the .22 was shown to have the highest % of shots that were fatal and to require the lowest number of rounds to incapacitate. 

I'm most accurate and comfortable with our 22.... But that's not saying much. Its too big to conceal, I think. The energy isn't as powerful as the .380 or .45 but I think it could stop an intruder if you know how to shot effectively. 

Only if you are a tactical disadvantage, but its okay Zapper, we all know you are not known for common sense

Brilliant - like most of your posts.

Ever seen dead kids or anyone shot at close range?

Ever shot someone...EOS 

Texan65 that's good data.

My husband doesn't like that I favor the 22. But my practice shows I would be successful in shooting where I intended with it Vs the others we have. It's such a fun firearm. 

undefined 

This board gets sicker by the day.... 

The key is to train until you can hit what you aim at... 

Facts are facts...

See my original post, you are better off not carrying a gun. Which is also true... 

I hate carrying a gun. But I do under certain circumstances. 

Its a personal choice. My belief is our attitudes on guns are distorted by movies, video games and news. The reality is that guns are made to kill. Our cognitive dissonance to this is significant.

I have many firearms (none of them handguns) that I keep locked in a safe. The risk of crime is so low, I have no expectation of using them to defend myself (I don't sit around the house in my underwear with a shotgun on my lap). 

Texan, I'm sure Dr Petit felt the same way. He lived in an affluent CT community when two men broke into his home, raped his daughter and burned his family. 

"Please read the report before you comment. In a 10 year study of gunfights, the .22 was shown to have the highest % of shots that were fatal and to require the lowest number of rounds to incapacitate."

Yes, but look at the FBI's ballistic studies. More people will die from 22 because they can be shot more accurately but they are far from being terminally effective. 22 isn't even allowed to be concealed carried in Texas so it really does not matter. 

"Ever seen dead kids or anyone shot at close range?

Ever shot someone...EOS "

Yes 

"Please read the report before you comment. In a 10 year study of gunfights, the .22 was shown to have the highest % of shots that were fatal and to require the lowest number of rounds to incapacitate."

There are so many variables involved. You can read five different studies and get five different sets of results.

Bottom line, carry what you want to carry. My weapon of choice is still the 45 

Go to a gun range that rents guns, try several out until you find one that is comfortable to hold and you can shoot. Make sure to take into account also how you will be carrying, in a purse, on your hip, etc. 

I carry my P3AT and love it. I also have a .38 revolver for road trips. 

SleightOfHand ---
... 22 isn't even allowed to be concealed carried in Texas so it really does not matter.?

Source??? (I want to say that's BS, but don't have time to verify.) 

Smith & Wesson bodyguard .380 

"Source??? (I want to say that's BS, but don't have time to verify.) "

I looked it up. It used to be law where you could not carry anything smaller than .32. Now you are required to qualify with at least a .32 but there now isn't a restriction on caliber. 

The Ruger LC9 is my EDC. I also have a Beretta 9mm PX4 Storm, Sub Compact, but it's kind of bulky for EDC.

SoH ... I think you may be confused. It's legal to conceal carry any caliber, provided you hold a CHL.

However, during shooting qualification for your CHL, the smallest caliber allowed is a .32 caliber.

ETA: SoH ... you beat me to it ...