I'm considering revamping the list of guns on my ccw licence.

I can have up to three.

I keep going round and round on this, so can use some advice.

Here are my choices, and some comments.

642 no lock - I've had trouble shooting this gun well.
Lcr 357 - currently on my license
Lcr 9mm - just acquired
31-1 - I can shoot this one well. Currently on permit
36-1 - easy to shoot, 3"
37-1 - 3" not as easy to shoot as the 36, but light
60 - 3" current production, easy to shoot, currently on permit
242ti - light, but large
Lc9 - can't shoot it worth a dang. Could learn it.

So which 3 would you pick?

I would go with the ones you find easy to shoot. 31-1, 36-1, & 60-3" If you have a hard time shooting it, aren't comfortable operating it, and carrying it, You won't carry it or defend yourself as well with it.

How important is ease of carry? Do you notice a significant difference?

9 choices! Wow! I'm a bit jealous, honest!

Of yours, I'd pick:
642
36-1
242

But if I were you, I'd pick
31-1
36-1
60 - 3"

Since they are easiest for you to shoot.

Just sayin how much I love my 642. I would definitely reccomend it, especially if you're buying 3. I carry my 642 when I otherwise wouldn't carry and I just love the thing. Love shooting it can't feel a thing when I'm carrying it. It's a great gun, and especially if you're considering buying multiple firearms. Not so you can carry more than one on you necessarily but so you can have different tools for different jobs. My 642 is my summer/quick trip outside/jogging gun/around the house because it's so comfortable gun/strenuous hiking gun.

I would give it a chance and practice with it. But if you're certain it's not the right shooting style for you I'd say your ability to use the weapon efficiently trumps everything else so if you really don't like it it might be best to choose something you can shoot well. That being said I don't think many people can pick one up right away and shoot it like a pro, and frequent practice definitely helps

The 31-1 is a 2" version and easy to carry and conceal. Same with the LCRs. The 3" can only be concealed with certain clothes or in a pack.

I don't need all three to be easily concealed as I can use one for a backpacking gun or car gun. The m60 currently fills that role.

Cal44,

how well do you shoot the two Ruger LCR's...357 and 9mm?

how well do you shoot the 242ti?

I find the 242ti easy to shoot also. The LCR 357 better than the 642, but not as well as the 31-1 or m60.

I just got the lcr 9mm and haven't tried it yet.

Any of them can be improved by practice

I think you just picked your trifecta. It sounds like you better stick with your 242, 60 and, 31-1 for now.

Personally I like to have a "wardrobe" of carry guns so that you can have a full sizeish down to a small carry gun.

My vote is;
242 Ti
M31-1
Then a toss up between the 60 and LCR.

Cal44,

since your ability to access your carry and shoot it well is the most important criteria, my opinion is to keep what you have on your license in place, for now.

i would then put some serious training time in with my 642 and my LCR choices to improve my shooting so I have a dependable lighter weight option for pocket. You might experiment with different grips to go along with practicing your technique to improve your skills.

After more training time to get the lighter weight option in place, I would eventually settle in on these choices:

1. 642 or one of the LCR's for pocket carry and no exposed hammer to get hung up when drawing.

2. 242ti for OWB holster or jacket pocket. Love that lightweight L frame holding higher capacity of 7 rounds of .38 sp+P.

3. model 60 with 3 inch barrel. Got to have some steel

Lc9 S, striker fire made it a contender.

I'd the guns you listed, I would have to say you should rely on the 642, the 36 and 37; the later two being. 3". I am a proponent of J-frames in .38 Special/9mm. They do require a fair amount of training, though. Dry firing is the best way to become familiarand master the triggers. I'm not a big fan of the Rugers you mentioned (especially the LC9), and consider the S&W J to be a much more refined revolver. Two guns you did not mention that I have become impressed with are the Shield and the Glock 42. Both are head and shoulders above the Rugers IMO, and much more comfortable to shoot. I'm not a 380 fan, but just two mags thru a G42 yesterday really changed my opinion (with Hornaday Critical Duty ammo). Regardless of what you decide, train with them to ensure proficiency. Consider a class or two specializing in small CCW pistols. Don't go cheap on carry leather either.

The ones that you don't enjoy shooting will become safe queens. I'd get rid of them.

I would leave the 31 and the 60 in the rotation. You say you do good with both and both are already on your ticket.

I would ad the 642. There are some situations where an alloy framed Centennial is hard to beat. I would also consult a gunsmith and an instructor to see if your troubles are mechanical or perhaps technique related. Then practice, Practice, PRACTICE


LOVE J-frames

I'd pick anything with 357. This way you have ample amount of ammo choices. I know you asked for 3 but there is only one 357 so......

LCR 357
642
36

What sort of ridiculous government nonsense is this, limiting a guy to only 3 handguns?

Oh wait, I see you are in California. Like, never mind, dude.

By the way, my picks would be the 3" Model 36, 642, and a coin toss on the others you have listed.

I'm betting you'll like the LCR 9mm for reduced recoil and muzzle flip, which will increase your ability to stay on target for faster follow up firing. From my experience, 9mm ammo is usually available on gun store shelves, while other calibers are sometimes hard to find. The LCR .357 magnum would make a great trail gun or vehicle carry, as well as a CC. With those two, I'd say you have all bases covered. Any on the list you noted you shoot well should round out the list.

I usually prefer to avoid answering questions like this until I can observe someone on the range, and run them through some different drills to see how they handle the different guns they're using and thinking about using.

First and foremost, if you can shoot all of your existing ones well, especially under demanding conditions, is there a pressing need to change them? Why not spend some time working on the other guns to see if they become more familiar and comfortable for you?

Personally, I'd not have a .32 on my list, but maybe the 31-1 has some nostalgic appeal or other special meaning to you. Your call, your life on the line. (I have a .380 LCP I carry at times, but only because it's smaller & lighter my lightest J-frames and I can pocket holster it when I can't do so with one of my 642's, M&P 340's, 37-2, etc.)

I've got a M36 3" HB that was one of the first snubs I owned as a young cop. It shoots very well ... but it's heavy (for a 5-shot snub), and its length & hammer spur make it a lot less easily carried as a pocket-holster snub.

Since you already have the M60 3", do you want to take up the limited space on your license with another 3" snub, just blued instead of stainless? No right or wrong answer. Suit yourself. Same handling. (I might)

If you don't shoot the 642 or 37 as easily as the other snubs, especially under fast-paced & demanding conditions, what's the real advantage - for you - in adding them to your license?

The LC9? Handy size & serviceable caliber. Doesn't mean anything if you can't use it accurately, quickly & effectively when the chips are down, though. Why not put that one into the 'work with it for a few months' column and see how you feel about it by the summer?

The LCR 9mm? Interesting choice. Some folks like 9mm revolvers. Don't mind running moon clips? Already like the LCR you have? If nothing else, the LCR9 offers you a more potent caliber than the M31.

The 242ti? Well, if you shoot it well, it offers you a couple more shots of your favorite jacketed .38 Spl +P (presuming testing & checking for bullet pull, of course) ... but it's big enough to probably be a belt gun.

Gotta suit yourself. Maybe think about trying them at some local IDPA event where they run pocket/snub guns, where you can see how well any of your choices work for you?

Me? Well, what works for me won't mean much to you, as we're different folks and probably have different experiences with guns.

If you have a range where you can shoot faster than slow-fire ...

I have a couple drills I often use for a 'cold check' with my various snubs.

2-handed, aligning sights (or point/front sight) shoot 5 rounds from 5 yds, in no more than 5 seconds. Resulting group size goal is no more than roughly fist-sized (or 5 inches).

1-handed, from low/belt-line/hip, shoot 5 rounds from 1-3 yds, in no more than 3 seconds. Same expectation for group size.

The other day I ran a guy through it using a M&P 340 snub (one of mine) unfamiliar to him. The rounds were a mix of some different +P loads I usually use for carry & practice (loose rounds just mixed in the cylinder, burning them up for practice).

This guy is an experienced instructor who owns and occasionally carries an early 640, but doesn't do as much revolver shooting nowadays. I timed him as he did the 1-hand/3 yd drill 'cold', on my command, just 1 time. He did it in an even 2 seconds. Well-ingrained skills from revolver days.

So ... carry what you like, or what you think will actually work for you if you ever need to use them. It'd be great if those 2 lists included the same guns.

BTW, for the other readers, in CA the number of concealable firearms on any license is left up to the issuing authority (Sheriff or Chief), and it can vary around the state. So, too, can the calibers and/or types of guns permitted, as well as any restrictions imposed (in addition to those stated on the standardized DOJ application). The standard license form may only have 3 lines of space, but more guns can be listed on the form.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

Obviously there is a reason you are considering revamping the list.

Specifically why?

Also, why did you choose the ones that are currently on there over the ones that aren't?

I think this info could help a lot.

Another thought to perhaps keep in mind is to only have guns on your carry list (license) which you won't mind losing to evidence/property for up to 2-3 years, if ever actually used ... and probably subject to potentially variable "handling & storage practices", test-firing, printing, etc.

Hopefully, most agencies are beyond the days of 'marking' (scratching ) case numbers or initials on guns and other evidence, especially on something that's already serial-numbered ... but never say never.

Might bother some folks.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

JMO but I'd limit it to 3 guns with IDENTICAL manuals of arms and that take the same cartridge. Maybe a compact and full size version of the same gun so you can adjust to changes in wardrobe.

I only carry an M&P9 or an M&P Shield and only that because I can't always carry the M&P9

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Retired Career Security Guard

Smoke offers another valid perspective to consider.

It's kind of how some folks are most (or only) comfortable and skilled driving motor vehicles with an automatic transmission ... but others may be skilled and experienced enough to own & use cars & trucks with both auto & stick transmissions, and perhaps even a motorcycle, as well.

Kinda depends on a few things.

__________________
Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

[quote=sgtsandman;138331759]I would go with the ones you find easy to shoot. 31-1, 36-1, & 60-3" If you have a hard time shooting it, aren't comfortable operating it, and carrying it, You won't carry it or defend yourself as well with it.[/quo

I WOULD DROP THE 31-1, BYPASS THE 9MMs AND MOVE UP TO A 1911 IN .45ACP, SINCE YOU ARE ALREADY VERY FAMILIAR WITH IT. NUTTHIN' SAYS "STOP DOIN' WHAT YOUR DOIN" TO A BG, LIKE A DOUBLE TAP OF .45 ACP. I WOULD KEEP THE MODEL 60, ESP IF IT IS CHAMBERED IN .357 MAG AND HAS ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS. TRY TO GET MORE COMFORTABLE SHOOTING YOUR 642-1, WHICH IS VERY LIGHT AND CONCEALABLE, AND MAY GIVE YOU A BETTER OPTION FOR HOT WEATHER CARRY. YOU CAN USE IT FOR EDC IN THE SUMMER MONTHS. IT IS ALSO A FINE BUG, FOR A NY RELOAD WHEN CARRYING YOUR MODEL 60 AS PRIMARY, OR YOUR 1911. WITH A COUPLE OF SPEED STRIPS OF GOLD DOT, .38 SPL +P, YOU WILL HAVE PLENTY OF FIREPOWER……….




+…………...

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I own a Taurus .38 no hammer, a MP 40 and a .357 LCR

The .357 LCR gets carried everyday. It's just so easy to carry in appendix IWB

The larger MP comes out sometimes when I wear a jacket and carry with my Crossbreed.

The Taurus is a BUG at home

I like the LCR so much that I am getting another for my wife.

__________________
Wake me when it's over...

Does your wife like the LCR ?

__________________
Retired Career Security Guard

The only one I have owned on your list is the LC9. I traded it for the Shield 9 because IMHO I feel it is a far superior firearm. However, if you go with the LC9, I would go with the new LC9s, the striker fired version.

Good luck with your decision.

As this is CCW, the obvious choice is to go with a firearm that is easy to shoot and easy to carry, but in a serious caliber for which good premium ammo is currently available.

For me, as much of a J frame fan as I am, they are simply not easy to shoot well from more than conversational distance, and they are not pleasant to practice with on the range. The J frame was the logical choice when there was nothing else in its size range with adequate power.

Semi-autos are simply less punishing to shoot if they use the Browning recoil system (locked breech) instead of blowback. In the Browning system, the operation of the action absorbs a substantial portion of the blow.

9mm is the new .380 or 38 Special, as good premium rounds will give very good results indeed.

Long ago, the J frame or the Walther PPK would have been the power/size "floor," below which you would not want to go.

As stated, the J frame is not comfortable to shoot (which discourages practice), and the PPK is blowback, meaning the slide is harder to operate and the shooter takes most of the recoil.

Therefore, I now see the power floor as a 9mm the rough size of the PPK. Fortunately, there are several. The most cost effective, from a reputable manufacturer, with the best trigger will be one of these three: (1) the new Ruger LC9s Pro; (2) S&W Shield in 9mm; and, (3) the Glock 43 in 9mm, if it is actually introduced this year as many "insiders" have speculated. The LC9s Pro has the striker action with a MUCH improved trigger pull over the standard LC9, and the "Pro" version does away with the mag safety and the thumb safety, which make it ideal for self-defense. Naturally, my choice in the Shield is the "no thumb safety" model for the same reason.

Now, for choices two and three.

You are comfortable with the size of the J frame as there are several on your list. That makes the next choice particularly easy. It is a no-brainer to put the Glock 19 on your list. The 15 shot magazine holds as many as three 38 Special J Frames, but at far less recoil, and a much higher hit probability with the 4 inch barrel. No other semi-auto fits this category. S&W's great M&P is more or less the same length and thickness, but it is too tall, having 17 rounds, and the Compact version takes up the same space, but only holds 12 rounds in the magazine. Plus, the Glock 19 takes up exactly the same "real estate" as a 2 inch J frame. See picture if you find that hard to believe.

As to choice three, were it me, I would want something closer to a full size pistol. I like the idea that the G19 can use G17 magazines, and the operation is the same. Thus, I would get the G17. FBI agents carry the size-equivalent G22 concealed, and with a CCW permit, you are concerned about "covering" not necessarily "deep concealment." Therefore, an IWB and a covering garment will do fine with the G17.

So, my own choices FOR CCW would be the Ruger LC9s Pro or the Shield 9mm, the Glock 19 and the Glock 17.

The beauty is that many will have other ideas, and I might if I had answered this question last year, five years ago or a year from now. Actually, you might get a different answer from me next week.

America - "what a country!"

Attached Images

Glock 19 under S&W 642.jpg (62.2 KB, 13 views)

[QUOTE=Cal44;138331822]I find the 242ti easy to shoot also. The LCR 357 better than the 642, but not as well as the 31-1 or m60.

i have the LCR 357 and the 642 also. I do better at the range with the lcr than I do the 642, just as you were saying. I eventually will change that, the more I practice shooting the 642. That's mandatory, because the 642 is my every day carry. It's loaded with 38sp +P because the 357's kill my hands.

Yes

But she shoots much better(accurate) with the MP

Of course this makes sense vs a snub nose revolver

What she likes about the LCR is the grip, and it's simplicity to fire (she has a difficult time racking the MP slide)

Also, easy pocketbook carry

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Wake me when it's over...

Virtually all the same guns in slightly diff flavors. So discard what you don't shoot well as a choice, even sell them, what is the point of keeping a gun you shoot poorly. I would look to add a full size fighting gun, JMO, 5shooters are good bugs as are 380s.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I hate to say it, but I agree with Shawn. When you think about the mini-9s (which weigh about the same as a J-frame airweight) they do make a lot of sense, and they are cheaper to shoot for the non-handloaders.

The guns on the list all strike me as being very similar - too similar. If I had to declare three guns on my license, I would want a mini-9 of some sort, a high-capacity auto for the unusual times I might think I need it, and a lightweight .45, probably a Commander-length model. But that doesn't consider field use! (you mention backpacking )

If you have to put field guns on your list, that really is a bummer. Anticipating using one of the guns in the field, I'd take off the high-capacity auto and substitute a .357 magnum revolver - but that means no Kit Gun or K22, no "Jet," no .41s and .44s, no steel 1911s, and no .45 Colts. Egad, I'm glad I don't have to put up with that nonsense!

Well, I guess I have droned on enough... Good luck with your choices.

For better or worse, the guns on my list are the small concealable guns I have. I plan to select from that list and not purchase more.

The lc9 is the only semi auto option -- and it's not an 's' model.

I understand. I guess I'd advise to work a little with the 642. The Centennial design is a great one. To me, it is easier to shoot double-action than a standard Chief - but I did have to convince myself.

Try the LC9s, its a world of difference from the LC9. Its my new favorite EDC.