Don't feel bad, I've done it myself.

First let me say I'm jaded as this subject gets discussed pretty often. I'm not saying it's a bad subject, it is a valid question. What I'm getting at is I have not read the thread.

Carry nice.

As you were.

Follow the advice of “3 is 2, 2 is 1 and 1 is None” and you will not be without a weapon. More to the point have at least a second spare gun the same model and set up the same as your primary. That way after you are released by the police you can go to your gun safe, remove the spare and holster or put it where you normally keep the primary. The only thing better than two is having three models of the same gun.

I only have three guns-though multiple copies of two of them

What I carry is determined by the weather and not the cost of the pistol. Yes, I shoot them at the range but they are also available to serve in that worst case scenario that I pray never befalls me.

Depending on the DA/prosecutor in the jurisdiction of where a shooting may happen the possibility exists that all firearms may be confiscated until the case is adjudicated. Not all locales but in some it's a very real possibility-I know someone it happened to (eventually cleared/charges dropped as he had a very good and expensive attorney), no I'm not being cagey and meaning it was me, it definitely wasn't.

I carry guns that work for me, I don't stand on ceremony with value. If I ever do lose one to a police locker I'll just use a different one. No sentimentality at all. I only carry top quality guns that I can rely on, no care at all in re dollars or love of the "piece". It's a tool for a job.

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Come and take it!!

I leave my nice pistolas at home and carry a plastic bullet squirter out in public. IF??? It gets confisticated after a shoot. No big loss.

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S&W Accumulator

"a piece of dependable kit" is my first choice, and what I've been able to stay with so far. J Frames and a Glock.

I carry nice guns. I tend to shoot them more, and shoot them better, than their pedestrian counterparts. So I carry the things I shoot best

Dependable but disposable.The carry gun needs to be a tool not your BBQ gun.

If a topic is valid then why does it matter if it is a zombie thread or not?

It was a good read this morning with a cup of coffee. It's interesting to see how long term threads develop, what with changing handgun product line-ups and carry conventional wisdom. More than one absent comrade was along for the read through this morning as well and that was sobering, yet heartwarming. Then it's all spoiled by the "Zombie Thread Police" coming in here to decry the thread for being a zombie thread, discouraging further discussion of a worthwhile forum topic.

What is it that compels certain types to get on older internet forum threads to scream "zombie thread" as if one is about to step in the middle of a rattlesnake or step backward off the rim of the Grand Canyon?!

If the thread was ol' Joe Blow posing a "which one should I buy" query back in 2012 then yeah, it's a zombie thread for he's likely taken a decision by now. Likely traded it too, for the next latest and greatest thing. If a topic thread remains as instructive, entertaining, and fun now as it did with the original post was made back in 1922 then have the
discernment to recognize when to leave it be and quit reflexively becoming a spoil sport nannying Zombie Thread sheriff. Have some discretion.

I didn't happen to see this thread in 2012 so, at the risk of appearing a zombie thread commenting bozo, will comment now. My chosen carry side arms have to gratify me, so no cheap-o disposable handguns need apply.

I have never considered the nice vs disposable question. My first priority is reliable. That is the most important because I never want to hear 'click' in the jungle. The next priority is portability/concealability. The third priority is adequate pay load.

Note that I did not mention ergonomics. I have carried and shot countless handguns of differing configurations over a long life and my experience is that I can adapt to most handguns without much issue.

Revolvers offer an almost endless choice of grips so that has always simplified the adaptation process for me. If I were to return to carrying a revolver my grip choice would still be the nylon Hogue Monogrip. Note: I only shoot DA revolvers DA, so I want my hand directly against the back strap.

I prefer semi-autos with a large enough grip frame to accommodate double stack magazines. The second and third generation S&W double stack autos for me are perfect.

My current carry gun, now for over 20 years, is a Glock 26. It replaced a Smith 6906 (which I still have) because it is a little more compact. The Glock meets all the criteria I listed above. It is expendable, if necessary. Nice looking it is not, but the utilitarian look has grown on me because I value function and dependability.

I have never bought into the popular concept of a 'truck gun', which implies a certain disregard for the care and carriage of such a gun. My Glock is as well maintained and clean as my target guns. I never buy junk, so I do not treat any piece of machinery any differently.

I was not a member here when this thread started, so I fail to recognize the sin in resurrecting a 'zombie thread'.

Sometimes at night when I walk the dog I'll carry OWB and not concealed. It'll either be my 1911 ($400 clone, but very dependable) or my M92S, which was one of those Italian prison surplus guns. Both are very dependable and the Beretta is one of my best-shooting, for me, pistols I own. Not a lot of cash between the 2. Everyday I use my Ruger EC9s. Maybe I got lucky, but this pistol has never failed to do what it's supposed to do; I trust it. The only irreplaceable gun I own is a K22 Masterpiece that my dad bought after the war...the BIG war. It's not worth much except sentimentally, although it's dead butts on for me up to about 30-40 yards out.
The Ruger was a pretty inexpensive gun (not cheap) that has never failed to do anything wrong. I should be lucky to try to replace it, for the price. But if I have to lose it, no biggie.

I have a dedicated, reliable, easily replaced carry gun (P365), and also a back-up. I also have some with more attachment that I carry on rare occasions, just because I like to carry them once in a while.

Need a definition of cheap. I am fortunate enough to have a few custom guns that I wouldn't carry even though I shoot them extremely well. I have other guns that I also shoot very well but spent far less for, and I carry one of these. At 10 / 12 yards the difference between all rounds being in a 2" or 3" bullseye to me is negligible so I will continue to carry my cheap Shield Plus instead of my custom Springfield 1911. I will also carry other SA 1911's, Ruger Max 9, Walther PPS M2. They have all proven themselves to be reliable until they aren't (hope it's at the range). To me a Shield is a very accurate and reliable gun yet by any assessment would be a cheap gun. So I primarily carry a "cheap gun". BTW between the wife and I we own 6.

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Is that a gun No a lifesaver

I don't carry a "cheap" plastic bullet squirter......All mine are Shields in 9/40/45.........Sometimes during hunting season you might catch me carrying a big ol N-frame or Ruger Blackhawk. Both with BIG holes in the barrel.
We have open carry here. But I prefer the element of surprise. So's usually you can't see it unless needed.

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S&W Accumulator

If I ever get a carry permit in the Socialist State of California so I can again carry concealed I plan to carry my stock Springfield XD .45 auto not my $3000 dollar S&W .45 custom revolver. I carried the XD back when I had a carry permit in another state and shoot it well.

I had to go back and see if I'd already commented on this thread. I had, back in 2015. Good to know my philosophy hasn't changed. Tools vs. collectibles. Just like why you don't daily drive a Ferrari 365 California Spyder or '67 Corvette L88. Or daily carry a Registered Magnum, Colt Viper, or 5" 29-1. But guys that daily carry a very expensive 1911 or Korth? Go for it...if you can buy one you can probably buy another.

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Psalm 27:2

If a gun saves my life, it has done its job, and I’ve won a lottery I had no desire to enter. That firearm can spend the rest of my life in an evidence locker, and I wouldn’t care…not even a little.

This belongs in the "I wish I'd said that" catagory.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

There are plenty of new and used modestly priced guns that are good shooting, effective, reliable, accurate, carry well, would be relatively expendable and from a practical standpoint serve just as well as a $3K gun. I don't really have any guns that many members on here would consider all that valuable anyhow. If it's reliable and I'm comfortable shooting it I actually like a good beater.

I carry my Model 10s. I like my Model 10s. I like to shoot them, and I like to carry them. I enjoy maintaining them. I enjoy the holster set up. I enjoy the practice. I enjoy many aspects of owning, loading, shooting and carrying my Model 10s. There's nothing wrong with this. People have had an affinity for their personal weapons going back thousands of years.

There is an incredible time and skill investment. To me it's just too much time and effort involved to carry something I really have no interest in. Yes, a wonder pistol is probably the wisest choice, but I like my Model 10s.

With that said, I have no delusions in what the "real-real" is. We all know what the purpose of carrying a firearm is. I've prepared for that with these Model 10s. I would hate for that day to come. In the meantime, and I pray that it never comes, I'm going to carry them. Why? because I like them.
Would you spend hours...days...months...years, toting around something you do not like or enjoy?

I’m waiting for my MD Wear and Carry license, and my plan is replaceable guns for EDC. I’m applying for DC too.

On the revolver side, I recently bought a new 3” Colt’s King Cobra. Very nice, not inexpensive but utterly replaceable. And I like the size between a J and K frame.

More often it’ll be a Sig P365 or 365X.

I’ve carried everything from beaters to really nice handguns at my hunting clubs and leases (where no license is required.) That won’t change.

Other than family guns that cant be replaced I don't worry about my carry piece being locked up. I carry what I shoot best and feel safe depending on and don't worry about any other issues.

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Grumpy Old Man With a Gun

I really hope he got to carry this at some point.

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Retired Career Security Guard

Hasn't changed

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Retired Career Security Guard

When you are facing potential criminal charges, the value of your gun will not be an issue on your mind. Once the local prosecutor or a grand jury decides you will not be prosecuted your potential criminal case is over. This could take a very long time due to the slow wheels of justice. Now, if you are charged and found not guilty, then your criminal case is over. Now, the family of the suspect / victim/ assailant - whatever will likely sue you and tie that case up for a couple years. Evidence collected by the police will be retained for use in that case. The final decision of what will be done with your gun is in the hands of the judge. There will be motions to return or destroy your gun. How deep your pockets are will determine how many billable hours you want to spend to get your gun back. Note: Even Zimmerman vs Florida and Rittenhouse vs Wisconsin had their guns returned…

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S&W factory revolver armorer

This is true, but I will be very confident with my Shield Plus and be able to carry a gun that weighs less and costs 1/5 of my custom 1911's. This is a no brainer to me. Never had a reliability or accuracy issue with the Plus or any of my small poly guns. I feel very confident in the dependability of any gun I carry. Historical performance should dictate your carry not the cost. Practice to hopefully ensure you are not the weak link in the equation irregardless of gun price.

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Is that a gun No a lifesaver

My EDC is a tool. I use it. It's 100 percent reliable. 442NL.

If I lost it for whatever reason, it wouldn't be like losing my Dad's 36 or my brother's 640-1.

JMHO YMMV

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BTDT, Got The T-Shirt

This is a true story , happened to my daughter .
Her place of business was robbed , robber had the cash box and could have left . Told all 4 employees to get into back room .. told to line up and face the wall ... told to all kneel down ...
daughter said right then she knew what he was going to do ...shoot them all in the head ...leave no witnesses ...
She took out a snubnosed 44 special and placed one shot center mass.
He lived , police took her gun ... he had a good lawyer , Many appeals filed , motions , delays etc etc ... police say evidence must be held untill case settled .
5 years later he plea bargains a deal ...police can't find her gun ...
Sorry we don't know what happened to it ...To Bad , So Sad.
(it turns out worker in evidence room , the mayor's son , was selling guns to support his drug habit which his mom the mayor claims she didn't know about ) This is Gonzales (small town) Louisiana

People will tell you the above can't happen ... it can and did happen . I carry something I don't mind not getting back .
Again ... true story not I heard
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I carry a TISAS that I have customized to look like a WWll era Remington Rand by stuffing it full of those parts, complete with "repro" parkerization finish. The thing is absolutely reliable and hits like a freight train. If it goes, I am out six hundred bucks.

My main shooter these days in a Nighthawk Custom Falcon that I have just about five grand in. I have a number of others similar in value. I will not carry expensive guns. I lived for quite some time (grew up) in a town where it was pretty much accepted that if the cops take your gun, you are never going to see it again. If you continue to be persistent in spite of continuing promises that it will be returned, you will be told "it was lost".

It is not a large town and it is well known that a couple of the cops have huge gun collections that grow every time a gun "gets lost". I live in a different town and area now, but old memories linger and I don't want to take a chance. Screw them. I have had to buy my own guns. These corrupt "public servants" can do the same.

It has nothing to do with me not having other things to worry about if I am involved in a shooting. It has to do with me not wanting to be a victim of these thieves no matter which way it goes.

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NRA Life Member

I have carried both, pricey & frugal... should I lose one to the evidence locker and walk away.. well, I would consider it like loosing a great friend that jumped on a handgrenade to save my life... gone but not forgotten... personally I & my family are worth way more than ANY gun.

Amen Brother Ben and I hope your daughter has been able to move forward with her life. Thanks for the real world example of everything that can happen and go wrong after an involved incident.
Shield / Shield Plus can be bought online for under $400 making them a cheap gun. Construction, reliability, accuracy and overall product performance is not "cheap". For me to carry this, as stated, is a no brainer. I have as much faith here as I do in my customs or higher end guns. Thanks to S&W for making a high quality EDC that is at a very friendly price point. Quality for price makes this possibly the best value in the gun market but it is still a "cheap gun" although I see it as very affordable. This is the gun I recommend the most to friends and family for edc not one of my customs or higher end guns. The bonus is I can buy several Shields for the cost of one of my "nicer" guns if I have the misfortune of having an active incident.

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Is that a gun No a lifesaver

I rotate between a Glock 43 and a Sig P365 . Both are easily replaceable if I had to .

What makes pricey better. I would put my frugal Shield Plus against any gun maybe not any shooter.

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Is that a gun No a lifesaver

For me pricey vs disposable isn’t a consideration. All my guns will be disposed of at some time.

I just carry whatever I like on any particular day, more often influenced by TCM or HBO than current events. I think it might be time for my Colt Cobra to get some air.

I live a quiet life in a quiet town. I suspect my gunfighting days are long past, but if they aren’t and I prevail I will not spend a second wondering how my gun is making out in the evidence room.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

carry reliable. all else is irrelevant.

Plenty of cops do every day. LEO administrators hopefully choose the weapons to issue with some concern for shootability, reliability and effectiveness but one of if not the most important consideration will be economy. Most agencies issue the firearm and require the officers to carry that/those arms.

Which is what he'd have to say about the .44 today.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

It happens all the time. Dealt with over a dozen small town police chiefs and evidence custodians who used the evidence locker as their personal piggy bank. The takeaway is that you can’t predict what a criminal will do. All you can hope is that those in charge do their due diligence with your stuff. And the same is true of repair shops, mini storage, housekeepers, roofers, movers, etc., etc., etc. . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I carry what I can shoot regardless of price as I figure I am worth it. If I am in a shootout. Loosing a gun that costs hundreds of dollars more then something else will be the least of my worries

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balin
NRA Life Member

I can always get another weapon, but I can't get another life

beautiful belt and holster. where did you get?

Feralmerril passed away a while back. He was a much beloved member here.

May he rest in peace.

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Formerly Model520Fan

In days of late, with the winter coming on...

I've been carrying something I'm liking purty good.

RIA 10mm plain jane 1911...
(Keeping the Smiths and Colts for the grandsons)



///

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

I had carried "nice" but as things are going further south, it's a 342 or a CZ Rami in the pocket or a 75BD on the belt.

So "nice" but replaceable.

The 4" Pre 29 is now a home gun.

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611