I just got my ccw and currently have a gen 3 glock 17, its kinda tough to conceal. I've been looking at the m&p9c, and also am partial to revolvers. I'd like to know what y'all think on the differences of carrying a small frame 38/357 or the m&p9c. Also, i like the mp revolvers, and the governor since its a"mix six". Any opinions are welcomed. I'm gonna try to go shoot a few different guns at a shop tomorrow to get a feel for them. Thanks!

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GLOCK 17 w/Night Sights

I prefer snubbies. They're a bit trickier to shoot than a Glock but with practice comes proficiency. I carry my snubby either in my pocket or my belt depending on the weather and my destination.

Best advise is what you suggested...shoot a bunch of different guns at the range and see what you fancy. Also for CCW consider how you will carry it and what holster options are available. Snubbie revolvers and baby Glocks will have tons of holster options. M&P9C will have quite few but not as many. Governor less still. Not sure I really consider Governor as a CCW piece though. Take your time and get something you are very comfortable with, because CCW is serious business!

Ok thanks guys. Iwb is preferred. Oklahoma will be open carry November 1st but i only plan on that when out four wheeling down in a place in central ok. I like the looks of the Smith revolvers, but just not sure yet.

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GLOCK 17 w/Night Sights

The M&Pc conceals very well IWB. You could use an X-Grip adapter with a full size magazine for camping etc...

S&W M&P.45C | XGRIP

Holsters are a whole 'nuther discussion. Just make sure to include a belt to go with it.

Bobs330:

My experience has been that a J-frame in a pocket holster is very hard to beat, particularly an Airweight. In the group photo below, (left to right) are Model 38 no dash; Model 60-7; Model 432PD; and Model 642. All are wearing laser grips. With the exception of the 432 (.32H&R Magnum) all are chambered in .38 Special. The other photo gives you a basis of size comparison between a J-frame (Model 60) and a M&P 40C (same size as the M&P 9C).

Best of luck,

Dave

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I have tried just about every pocket-size, small, and medium semi-auto and revolver for CCW. When I got the Shield, I knew I had found (for me) the best one yet. It isn't exactly a pocket pistol, but it is fantastic for IWB, and fully capable at the range too. Mine is a 9mm, and I prefer the 8 round magazines.

I do like full size pistols for home defense (like my 1911s and SIG P229) but I am very comfortable using my Shield for HD as well.

You have to figure out where you will carry and what are you are comfortable with. If you live in a small town a snubby 38 might be a perfect choice. If you are like me and live in a city of almost 2 million people then a semi auto might be a better option. I live in Philly, 90 min from NYC, 60 min from Newark, Elizabeth NJ, 60 mon from Newark, camden Nj. All bad areas. I feel more comfortable with 15+1 or 17+1. My daily carry is a Glock 19 or 17 followed by a Smith 5946.

Rype of holster and belt has a lot to do with comfort as well. If u are new to iwd carry or carry in general they will all feel awkward. A quality gun belt and a good holster go a long way in weight dispersal. I do not like pocket or small pistols. My smallest gun is a Glock 19. In 9mm i prefer Glocks but in 45 i like M&P because a 45 M&P is just a hair thicker then a Glock 19/17. While the Glock 45 is more thicker.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

If the opportunity presents itself you might want to try a K frame model 10/64 or 13/65 with a 3 inch barrel. They're a bit larger than the M&P9c but they conceal very well. Dale

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"Long live the S&W 3rd. Gen.!"

Given that you already have and use the G17, I'd suggest to consider sticking with another 9mm weapon. This way you don't have to support multiple calibers of ammo. Not a big deal but in a tough economy, it never hurts to consolidate.

What to carry is a personal decision. I will say that anything on your person is better than the best gun in the world left at home. There are several 9mm pistols that will conceal in your pocket. I carry a KelTec PF-9. It is easy to conceal. Springfield has a new .45auto out for about $400 that would be easy to conceal IWB. or it would fit in the pocket of cargo pants or an ankle holster. I would stay away from anything heavy. Autos are easier to conceal than revolvers and generally have more round capacity. Revolvers are more forgiving of ammo type.

I would consider an airweight .38 but not the Govenor.

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Luke 22:36

i carry an m&p 9mm compact, great size great quality, 12+1 rounds many holsters, and holsters made just for it, very accurate at 7-10yards (though i am new to shooting) and 7-10 yards is the most distance you can really shoot someone and claim self defense, if you get a full size m&p you get more accuracy, but more bulk, more clipp capacity 17 if i9m not mistaken. All in all man i got a 380, You should only get a 380 if they allow hallow points in your state cause then the lack of bullet size matters less. A 9mm with target rounds will be pretty effective, a 9mm with hallow points gives you A LOT more peace of mind.

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S&W=Judge And Jury

I carry two revolvers myself, both have five round capacity. The snubbie is a no hammer, stainless steel 642 38 Spl Aluminum airweight, and the other is a CA 44 Spl 3 Inch Bulldog. This gun carries a bigger round than a J frame but it fits well in a J frame holster. Since it has a hammer that might catch I carry it in a Galco paddle holster, while my 38 Spl fits in a good pocket holster.
If I carry only one gun on occasion it would be the S&W 38 Spl airweight. For the Snubbie 38 Spl I use 158 Grain 38 Spl P+ rounds
Mine is stainless steel too which makes it a nice handgun to carry into the bathroom since it don't hurt it getting it a bit damp.

I've been carrying a light weight snubby .38 for over 40 years, but I began my LEO career in the late '60's when the revolver ruled. I have tried some of the tiny .380's, nothing wrong w/them, but just could not get comfortable.

As others have indicated the small .38 (or M&P 340 in .357) slips into a pocket and is a go anywhere piece. Good hunting, let us know what you decide and please post some pics.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

This is the age old arguement.

Personal preference in a defensive carry weapon should be based on how
quickly and accurately you can get it into action. For example, pocket carry has never ever worked for me. Too slow and my hands are way too big to be reaching into a pocket of any type.

I need to be able to get my weapon into the fight with ONE hand. The other hand may be needed to fend my attacker off while I draw. Or push a door closed or whatever.

Doomsday scenarios aside, a J frame .38 is a good choice for most situations. But you had better practice...alot.

If your good with that 9mm, stay with what you know. Just adjust to a more compact version and practice with it.

Your ability to survive all depends on your attitude, mindset and training. Your weapon is just an extension of those skills.

Good luck in your search.

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Take your time..quickly.

Going to shoot mp9c, and try to shoot j or k frame as. well. Right now from pictures and specs I'm stuck between a 442 and the 9c. I really like their revolvers.

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GLOCK 17 w/Night Sights

442 works for me.

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I just came back from shooting my 3913 and 642, really trying to concentrate on how each one felt....

It's pretty amazing how much noise and punch that 642 has. Super nice gun, and those 5 rounds are gone in a flash. Easy to shoot, easy to hide, easy to own. Definitely the most comfortable hiding gun I own, better than my BG380 even.

The 3913 is just a dreamboat. Smooth firing, dead accurate, feels fab in your hand. A lot heavier than a 642, but there's a lot more gun there. 9 rounds of 9mm +p is a lot more powerful. Still easy to conceal.

The M&P 9c is also small, easy to conceal, and packs a wallop. I'd say the 3913 conceals a little bit easier.... Hard to say, in a good IWB they are both nice to carry. Still for conceal-ability the 642 wins that game.

If I could only have one.... I wouldn't. I'll never sell the 642 or the 3913.

If you are comfortable with your Glock, you should try a 19 or 26. Both are good weapons and you are already (I presume) familiar with their care, feeding, shooting, etc..

I find revolvers far easier to conceal, especially the round butt variety. Revolvers have smooth curved lines that aid in concealment. The square shape of semi autos makes them harder for me to comfortably carry and conceal. I own a Glock 27 but my 642 gets carried a lot more. I will never be without a J-frame revolver.

Everyone needs at least one J frame

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Rob22

My 642 is what I have with me more than anything but if you like 9s I also carry a Springfield XDm9 compact and think it's a great compromise between size and capacity.

This makes good sense to me as well, & the 17 mags will work in the 19 or 26, even though they will stick out some. Holsters may work too. Good Luck!

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John 3:16, Carry Everyday!

I have many revolvers and semi autos and I've carried on and-off duty for almost 30 years now. I still revert back to the first gun I bought, a Smith model 649 at the suggestion of the range master at my academy. I also have a model 49. Same gun only blue vs. stainless. For a while I carried a Colt Officer's Lightweight .45, Mexican style but I went back to the old faithful J-frame in a Mika pocket holster. You can't go wrong with any of the Smith shrouded or hammerless J-Frame revolvers.

I may carry a Glock 27 in the fall or winter when I'm wearing a jacket but I'm not the type to dress around a gun. I'd rather be able to tuck my shirt in and carry a J-frame in the pocket of my jeans than to have to wear some sort of girdle contraption under my clothes or wear an untucked shirt or some dorky vest to conceal a hi cap auto or N-frame...

I carry a snubby as well. It is small and light, a little tough to handle with big hands like me.

Its already been said, but let me say it again. Its not WHAT you carry, its HOW you carry it. Quality belt and holster are a must. Adapt your clothing to go with it.
Start with a gun that has a power level, feel and accuracy that you're comfortable with. Then adapt your rig and clothing to make it comfortable to carry.

You can conceal just about any pistol, including a Glock 17, if you have an IWB holster that holds the butt close to your side, and a shirt or jacket that's not too tight. Revolvers can be concealed too, but are a lot thicker than pistols.

In any case, it's the grip, not the barrel, that causes the problem. I can conceal an N frame, if I put a round grip or boot grip on it. That said, it's hard to draw a revolver with a barrel longer than 4" from concealment. You have to be a contortionist to clear leather. I find a 3" is just about right.

My favorite concealment holster is a Sparks VM2. I have VM2s for several pistols and a 3" 686+, which is heavy enough to handle full magnum recoil. A heavy revolver is actually easier to carry than a much lighter pistol. The cylinder rides on your hip, and doesn't drag the belt down as much.

There are a lot of really small pistols, 9mm to .45 ACP, with twice the power of a .38 SPL and half the felt recoil. The Springfield XDs is worth considering.

These days I've been taking my 637-2 J frame with a crimson trace laser. It's a nice revolver. I've made a pocket holster for it and will make an IWB later on. of recoil even with 38 spl's but that's ok. Who cares about recoil when you need it...God forbid. It has a bit of recoil. It's all about personal preference and needs. I need a little firearm I can split into my pocket or strap onto my belt. I really only carry when I go on my night walks. Yiogo

I really like this little snubbie.

Here it is with the pocket holster.

Rob said it,,,, Two of my main carries,,, J Frame 36 and my Glock 27.
I like my 36!

It's all very personal and individual. Your G17 can be easily concealed with the proper AIWB holster and proper attire.
Summer or winter. It may take awhile to get comfortable with this method of carry.A striker pistol pointing at your femoral artery and other useful equipment can be a little disconcerting at first.
It's my preferred method of carry now,esp with a full size pistol which I am carrying more and more these days.
I actually started doing this way back in the seventies and had to modify holsters for doing it,as it was mostly unheard of then and no holsters were available. Everybody thought I was nuts then(no pun intended),now everybody must be nuts,because it's all the rage these days.

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Blessed be the Lord,my Rock

1. S&W Bodyguard Model 49 .38 special
2. S&W Model 60 .357

bobs330: I suggest the snubby revolver.

I've owned and carried everything you mentioned except the Gov. and each has it's "pluses" and "minuses". If you are familiar and comfortable with the Glock then I recommend you stick with it. Get a quality IWB holster like a Galco King Tuk, Crossbreed Supertuck, Minotaur C-Tac, etc. that can fit different sizes of the same gun and try the 17 for a while. If you still feels it's too big after carrying it for a few weeks look at the smaller models of the same gun (the 19 and 26). Many people consider the mid-size Glocks like the 19 to be the "Goldilocks Gun" because it's not too big and not too small.

If you're like me and prefer something in between the mid-size and sub compact Glocks or you just don't like the way they feel in your hand then the M&P compact (which is what I carry) may be the gun for you. But I would only switch platforms if there is something you are dissatisfied with in the Glock.

Snubby revolvers are also a good choice for some people but I have found that I have to practice with them a lot more to achieve the same level of proficiency.

With any semi-auto you have the 'mag maintenance' thing; keeping the mags loaded wears out the springs. So you have to buy extra mags, rotate the mags, etc.

Partly as a result of that, I carry a J frame most of the time and leave the SAs at home.

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But then, what do I know?

The 9C gets my vote with an IWB holster....crossbreed or similar.

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Lt. Dan, what R U doing here?

Actually, that isn't true...it is the repeated cycling (compression and decompression) that causes wear on the spring. Keeping a magazine loaded (i.e., the spring compressed) doesn't do it any harm.

I gotta ask. What's your preferred holster? I have a Shield 9 also. I love it but I live in SE Florida with a light weight shirt tucked in and I just can't figure out which way to go. I tried a Desantis IWB and it's a no go. Might try a sticky but I it would be great to hear some opinions on this!

Between the two listed, I would start with the M&P 9c then add a Centennial Airweight later on.

If I could recommend other options, I would tell you to try the G26.

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Centennial Every Day

Smith & Wesson Shield in 9mm. The single best carry pistol ever made Imho. I work in the industry and have been a shooter/collector all of my adult life.

Try a Ruger SR9c or a S&W MP9c or a Bersa BP9cc 9mm or a Beretta PX4 Storm compact 9mm or maybe a Bersa Thunder .380

i got the m&p 9 compact, its comfortable but... you need a holster, i go inside the waist, you also get a bulge you need to keep you shirt over, yesterday i bought a 637 j frame air weight .38 i just put it in my front pocket and forget about it.

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S&W=Judge And Jury