HIPCHIP

I'm a retired police officer. My off-duty weapons are a Ruger P-89 full size 9mm and a 1911. With me now needing reading glasses and the fact both of the pistols are heavy and have no rails for flashlights/lasers, and no night sights, I thought it might be nice to come into the 21st century and get something small to medium in size and light weight (so I can wear inside the waistband with shorts and a T-shirt) and that has a rail for light/laser. The HK USP was recommended, but at $1000 that's a little steep, so was wondering what would be recommended? I like .40 or .45, and I live in Kalifornia, so a LOT of pistols (like the XD-S) are a NO NO, so if anybody out there has found something nice I should check out, please let me know. My local gun shop is over an hour away, so trying to get ideas so I can see what the shop has in stock before I drive all the way over there.
Thanks in advance.

moakes58

If you like .40, you have to go with the SR40c. It's CA approved(9+1 mags) & a very nice looking, good shooting gun with a sweet trigger & a rail. They managed to make it the same size as my SR9c, & you have your choice of SS or black slide. A high-quality carry gun. Check it out, you won't regret it!

Dale53

Another possibility is what I use for daily carry. It's a Smith 642 with Crimson Trace Grips. I use the Federal FBI load (158 gr SWC H.P.+P). It has an excellent record for one shot stops. The revolver often resides in my right front pants pocket. It's so light that I hardly know it's there. I prefer the CT #305 grips (they cover the back strap and give you room for the little finger). They do not inhibit concealment in my clothes and give you something to hold onto while shooting.

I carry one reload in a Bianchi Speed Strip.

FWIW
Dale53

JimB120

The Sig SP2022 is a medium sized polymer that is an exceptional value.

The DA/SA makes an excellent carry gun, and it has a rail, and is fairly light for it's size. Great gun.

The Walther PPQ is another 4" barrel that is light, accurate, and has the best ergonomics of any gun I've held. VERY short reset.

Safe action trigger is a little light for carry, so you'd want to spend some quality range time with it, and get a holster that covers the trigger guard IMO. Works for the German police though. Not sure if it's Kommieforina approved yet though.

A hundred bucks more than the Sig, but a tremendous gun.

I carry the Sig 239 SAS. No rail. 3" and single stack, but holds 9 rounds of 9mm (8 of .40) which is more than enough for the task, so it's easily concealed. Metal frame which I prefer, but may be heavier than you are looking for. If you can find a CPO (factory refurbished police trade ins) they are an exceptional value as well.

All can be had for under $600, some well under.

moakes58

I agree, the Sig SP2022 is very nice, I almost bought 1 before my SR9c purchase. My LGS had the Sig for $399

Marine Division Two

S&W Shield 9mm or 40,they are both flawless and as dependable as my first duty gun the S&W model 10 !

Motivator

I love my SR 40. I carry it every day and have had no problems with it. It fits my big hands very nicely. If I had smaller hands I'd probably would havce gone with the SR40c.

actionexpress

Kahr CW40 or 45. I just bought a CW9 and I love it apart from the butt of the mag sticking out. Quick sights (dot the I) and cheap price for a quality gun. I paid $379 and haven't had any problems. No clue if it's CA approved, but since they're made in MA...