Now that I am no longer in LE

[Marshal tom]

I find myself carrying my M&P 340 all the time with nothing else after carrying a custom 1911 for over 25 years, almost everywhere I went. Wondering how many of you carry only a small J frame or a small semi auto only. Sometimes I think that I should be carrying one of my bigger, more powerful weapons. ???? I carry it with SB Gold Dots an extra speedloader and a speed strip but is it enough?

Tom

[photoman]

Only you can answer that question. Some are comfortable with just a J frame and some are not.

[StatesRightist]

I'm sure you shoot it well, assuming that is true, my thought would be that and a BUG would be enough. I'm sure in your 25 years you saw or knew of someone who's primary failed. Sometimes, it's quicker to grab gun 2 than reload a snub as well, JMO.

Happy retirement, I hope you get to do all the things you missed while working.

[badge 851]

I carry two, one IWB at 4 o'clock and one in a pocket holster; loaded with THIS.

[Springfeildkid585]

I would say that now you're not going after bad guys, the likelihood of you needing any more than what your revolver provides is significantly lower. I carry a full size 1911 over any other handgun for one reason: It's the gun I'm most comfortable with. If you trust yourself with the weapon, then you're good to go.

[kraigwy]

I will have been retired from LE 18 years come March 8th. All I carry in a 642 in my pocket.

[Old cop]

I retired in '97 after a 30 year career & carry my 442 98% and my Ruger LCP when I can't carry the 442. My orbits are pretty tame and if I need something more than that I'm probably someplace where I shouldn't be in the first place.

Enjoy your retirement.

[ikor]

Depends on the 'threat level' I percieve. Lots of days, yes, I do carry just a J frame and a couple speed strips...other times it goes in the pocket or on the ankle as a BUG to a more capable gun. No, I don't have a crystal ball, but you make choices every day.

And one retired cop to another, ain't it nice to have your 'Civil Rights' back again now? :-)

[jimmyj]

Retired in 2007 after 45 years.
I CCW two. 1. high capacity semi-auto 2. five shot 2" revolver.
Why two? one don't shoot far enough!

[Steve in Vermont]

Since I no longer have to run towards trouble a 640-1 with a couple of speed strips works just fine.

[6thtexas]

Since I retired in 2008, I generally just carry my old de-horned Model 60 in my pocket or a IWB holster, although if I have to work in a "bad" neighborhood I might tote my old Sig 220 in a remora IWB holster.

[oldman45]

First, a person never really gets out of LE. Retirement is not what it is cracked up to be. You will find yourself back in it even if as a volunteer.

I found I could not live on 1/3 of what I already could not live on so I went back to work.

[RussellD]

Better to have a j frame all the time than a larger more powerful weapon some of the time.

[cmort666]

It's easier to disarm carrying a J-frame (or small semi-auto) in a pocket holster than most anything else. Until recently, I had to disarm before eating a meal at most decent restaurants. That meant that I usually carried my 36-no dash in on of my own pocket holsters. It was much easier to put holster and all in the glove box than to wrestle with a larger gun and a tuckable IWB.

[Doug M.]

Situational awareness is at least as important, and at least you are carrying something. As noted, your days of a mandate to run toward the conflict and hunt bad actors are over, so your threat assessment is likely different. I make a real effort to avoid stupid places and stupid people unless on duty and will continue to do that (pretty much decided to retire from my reserve unit in the next few days). It's your fight - bring what you think you need.

[oldafsp]

Welcome to the ranks of the Retired Tom !

I retired a year ago this month. And I carry a 638 as my everyday personal weapon. I don't feel undergunned at all.

And of course I am lucky enough to have my wife,who is also a retired LEO as backup with her 65-3 3 incher...

Bless her heart, she went and bought a bunch of speed strips and loaded them up, placed a couple in each of the vehicles readily accessable.

If we travel into the city I take my new SW9VE along for the ride too.

It needs to get out of the house too....

Enjoy retirement...I sure am!

[v-13]

Retired in 2007 after 32 yrs. and I carry either a Glock Model 19,26,36 or S&W 340PD. If you do a lot of shooting like I do, I kind of take to the saying, "Beware of the man who only carrys one gun, because he probably knows how to use it."
Carrying extra ammo depends on where I'm going.

[crofoot629]

Beats scratching their eyes out.
I’m a retired LEO too. Today it was a J-frame 442 in my right front pants pocket and a Glock 26 in a strong side vertical scabbard.

Seems lighter and easier than a Government Model, strong side vertical scabbard, which was my daily off duty winter carry for years. And I almost never carried a reload with the 1911.

I’ll carry just a J-frame in the summer some. But usually it’s the Glock 26 alone.

No one I know who has been in a gun fight, later wished for a smaller gun. I however know several who wished for a bigger one.

With how nutty things seem to be these days, carry a bigger gun would be my input.

Emory

[Mphstiger1981]

First of all, thanks to all of you guys including the OP for your service to your communities. I worked as a reserve deputy for 9 years working in patrol and in fugitive, and I saw first hand what many of you dealt with day to day for all those years. My hat is off to you all.

Last, one thing I always thought about and with a brother who is still a cop, there are a lot of folks you probably put in jail who swore they would get you back. Most of it was just jailhouse bravado, but these days you can't be too careful. I'd probably be inclined to at least carry two j frames if I was just retired from the job and stayed in the same city.

Just my $.02. ymmv.

[itslucky]

started in the PD (1967) with on duty S&W Model 10, then Sig 226...retired now my every day carry is a .38 Colt Cobra

[Kanewpadle]

You no longer have to run towards trouble. But if a bad guy recognizes you, he may run towards you.

Don't laugh. Happened to my brother in law.

[BCDWYO]

I don't think you'd necessarily be under-gunned as long as you feel confident with the snubbie...Personally I rarely carry a snubbie as a primary because there are other options that I just shoot so much better.

[GyMac]

I carry an eight-shot Makarov with an extra magazine every day. I feel completely comfortable with it.

[jimmyj]

Originally Posted by cmort666

It's easier to disarm carrying a Jdis-arm-frame (or small semi-auto) in a pocket holster than most anything else. Until recently, I had to disarm before eating a meal at most decent restaurants. That meant that I usually carried my 36-no dash in on of my own pocket holsters. It was much easier to put holster and all in the glove box than to wrestle with a larger gun and a tuckable IWB.

Hi:
If CCW in your pocket--why do you have to dis-arm before entering a restaurant?

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

If you're still living where you were working, potential reprisals are always a legitimate concern. If you've retired elsewhere, that's less an issue. If you're in a big city, usually that's enough reason to raise the bar. If you're in a rural area, perhaps less. Careful consideration, situational awareness and being prepared for the unexpected are all survival skills we develop on the job. That experience doesn't change much when we retire, just less risk, less exposure. I believe you will make your own call based upon what seems reasonable for your situation. Congratulations and best of luck for a long and healthy retirement.

Cheers;
Lefty

[SEIndSAM]

Originally Posted by jimmyj

Hi:
If CCW in your pocket--why do you have to dis-arm before entering a restaurant?

In Ohio until very recently if alcohol was sold in the bar/restaurant it was illegal to carry. Now you can carry, but can't drink.

[viceunit]

Originally Posted by SEIndSAM

In Ohio until very recently if alcohol was sold in the bar/restaurant it was illegal to carry. Now you can carry, but can't drink.

True. Also, private businesses can post that concealed weapons are not permitted on their premises in Ohio.

The topic the OP posted is of interest to me as I am retiring in a few months after a 33 year career. I have a 642 no lock on order, thinking of getting two, each to back up the other. 2 guns, ten rounds, easier to conceal and carry. Or, one to back up a bigger gun should I choose to carry such if needed. Decisions, decisions.

[cololab]

I retired in 2007 after 35 years. I now carry either my G26 or my Colt Defender. I used to exclusively go with a J frame, but have come to really appreciate the ability to have night sights on my carry weapon.

[jbull380]

Maintain a training regimen and your good to go!

[luangtom]

Been outta the turmoil for five years and carry either my M&P340 or 340PD daily in a DeSantis Nemesis. I do not feel under-gunned. Mine are stoked with Speer 135-gr GDHP for the SB revolvers.

[jtpur]

I carry either a kel-tec or a model 36 or sometimes my sigma or sd 9 depending on where I go. Sometimes two if to the bank, but I always carry my pre paid attorneys card in case I have to use anything, since the police union no longer provides an attorney and if you have to shoot you need a lawyer more than you may need extra ammo

[photoman]

Originally Posted by viceunit

The topic the OP posted is of interest to me as I am retiring in a few months after a 33 year career. I have a 642 no lock on order, thinking of getting two, each to back up the other. 2 guns, ten rounds, easier to conceal and carry. Or, one to back up a bigger gun should I choose to carry such if needed. Decisions, decisions.

You can never go wrong with two 642's.

p.s. Thank you for your service and welcome to the Forum!

[Az. revolver fan]

When I first retired, I continued to carry my duty back-up, the Glock 27 for a while, now I'm carrying my 640-no dash because it patterns better with snake shot for rattlers when I'm out walking. If I lived in a city, I think I would go back to the Glock 27. By the way, honorably retired LEO's can carry concealed without CCW permit under federal law and that over rides local statutes.

[luangtom]

Originally Posted by Az. revolver fan

When I first retired, I continued to carry my duty back-up, the Glock 27 for a while, now I'm carrying my 640-no dash because it patterns better with snake shot for rattlers when I'm out walking. If I lived in a city, I think I would go back to the Glock 27. By the way, retired LEO can carry concealed without CCW under federal law and that over rides local statutes.

Yup, but not without restrictions such as having to keep qualified annually......haffta keep up to date.

[Az. revolver fan]

Originally Posted by luangtom

Yup, but not without restrictions such as having to keep qualified annually......haffta keep up to date.

You are right there! But then again, you had better be doing your bi-annuals anyway no matter what system you are carrying on because that will be the first thing the bottom-feeders will check after a shoot, even when you are still a LEO! At least that has been my experience.

[serialsolver]

I've been retired now for four months. In a rural environment, a 329pd. In a urban environment a glock 22.

[fighter62]

Originally Posted by Marshal tom

I find myself carrying my M&P 340 all the time with nothing else after carrying a custom 1911 for over 25 years, almost everywhere I went. Wondering how many of you carry only a small J frame or a small semi auto only. Sometimes I think that I should be carrying one of my bigger, more powerful weapons. ???? I carry it with SB Gold Dots an extra speedloader and a speed strip but is it enough?

Tom

Tom.

I have about 20 years with LE and 5 years another US Government agency.
MOST of the time , off duty I carry a full size pistol with a spare magazine. Now its a GEN4 Glock 22 in .40 with a spare 22RD Glock magazine.
When its warm , I carry something like a three inch model 65 and a speed loader or some kind of a compact single stack 9mm with an extra magazine.

Sometimes I just put a 2 inch J frame 640 in the pocket .

I would say that for YOUR OWN protection a 2 inch 38 is just fine.

Just for YOUR OWN protection.

[kennyb]

i have been retired since 04 with 32 years on the job....winter months i carry a 3"M657 the most and sometimes a colt 45 1911 railgun...during the summer usually a m36 in my pocket

[Lt JL]

I retired a couple of monthyt ago after 34 years. I down-sized, if not down-powered. Instead of my P226 .40, i now carry a G32C with two spare mags, and either a LCP or FN .25 in my hip pocket.

[Rule 303]

I've been retired for almost nine years. I carry a Glock 19 in the summer and Commander sized 1911 in the winter. I also carry a LCP in a pocket. If I go to a big city or the Border Areas I carry a Glock 21 and a Glock 30 on me.

Old habits die hard.

Rule 303

[coltgun]

When i started on the job it was a Smith mod 19 .357, for many yrs and a colt cobra off duty, after 12 yrs or so we went to Glocks, i kept the cobra for off duty, when i ret. i carried the Cobra only for a few yrs, i really tried , but in the end, my thinking is, robbers tend, now to come in twos and threes, i would not stand a chance with my little Cobra, so i am not back to my old Glock 23, and i feel safe with more rounds in the gun, also carry, a Kel tec 380 in a wallet holster in my back pocket....and a seperate wallet with no Police ID in it, that in my opinion is very important....and yes i would stop an armed robbery if i thought someone was going to get shot....

[Stu Honea]

Originally Posted by crofoot629

Beats scratching their eyes out.
I’m a retired LEO too. Today it was a J-frame 442 in my right front pants pocket and a Glock 26 in a strong side vertical scabbard.

Seems lighter and easier than a Government Model, strong side vertical scabbard, which was my daily off duty winter carry for years. And I almost never carried a reload with the 1911.

I’ll carry just a J-frame in the summer some. But usually it’s the Glock 26 alone.

No one I know who has been in a gun fight, later wished for a smaller gun. I however know several who wished for a bigger one.

With how nutty things seem to be these days, carry a bigger gun would be my input.

Emory

I have started to carry the G26 more lately,and it actually outshoots all three of my G19's.
It loves the 147gr.Rangers.

[ibewbull]

Originally Posted by ikor

Depends on the 'threat level' I percieve. Lots of days, yes, I do carry just a J frame and a couple speed strips...other times it goes in the pocket or on the ankle as a BUG to a more capable gun. No, I don't have a crystal ball, but you make choices every day.

And one retired cop to another, ain't it nice to have your 'Civil Rights' back again now? :-)

Originally Posted by cmort666

It's easier to disarm carrying a J-frame (or small semi-auto) in a pocket holster than most anything else. Until recently, I had to disarm before eating a meal at most decent restaurants. That meant that I usually carried my 36-no dash in on of my own pocket holsters. It was much easier to put holster and all in the glove box than to wrestle with a larger gun and a tuckable IWB.

Going into a place with a no guns sign is like opening the gate when you leave the field. Nothing good could come of it. If I can not carry in a business then my money must smell bad.

[WR Moore]

I notice that some feel rural areas are safer than urban/suburban. While this may or may not be true, the response time of LLEA is often very much greater in those areas.

I can also recall getting my j-frame back from factory repair for a mis-fitted yoke retaining screw and 2 shots into the celebratory testing having the hammer nose/firing pin break. Click is a very bad sound when your well being depends upon a much loader noise.

[cavnamvet]

Another retired leo who has tried a number of carry guns but
settled mainly on the Kahr pistols.. very well made and can handle all the 9mm loads... not to mention light and very compact.. I own 4 Kahr's but normally carry the P9.

I have 2 j frames but neither have come out of the safe for
years... only 5 rds. and not as accurate.

[squidsix]

On my last deployment I carried a mountain of weapons and ammo everywhere. When I got home I couldn't stand to carry all the stuff, but couldn't IMAGINE not having a gun. I go about everywhere with this little guy now, and feel just fine with only the steel J-frame.

[NCW Ray]

I retired in 08 and after 33yrs of wearing a heavy duty belt I wanted something LIGHTER! I bought a M&P40c that weighs less than half of what my HK P7M10 weighed and I carried it both on duty/off duty. I only carry one pistol and usually no spare mags. Had I not bought the M&P I would have bought some version of the J frame.

[lhump1961]

Originally Posted by cololab

I retired in 2007 after 35 years. I now carry either my G26 or my Colt Defender. I used to exclusively go with a J frame, but have come to really appreciate the ability to have night sights on my carry weapon.

Ever try a laser on that j frame?

[heeter3]

I retired in 2005 after 30 years and have been carrying my 442 since then . With a speed strip or speedloader its comfortable and convenient and I feel confident with it. I have contemplated carrying another 442 or 36 however.

[rilkil23]

I carry my 637 to work and my larger weapons on my days off.