Went to the range today and did another 60 rounds through my LCP Max and 120 through my VP9
Was lucky enough to find some Hornandy HP ammo for both .380 and 9mm so this was more a function check versus target shooting

This has been my third range visit with the little .380 after shelving my good old 36 j frame for bedroom safe duty

I cannot hit for “you know what” with that darn .380
Tried some different brand ammo including Federal, Blazer and Hornandy and all over the place
It sure is easy to carry being so small and light but man I suck with that gun and I’m almost out of .380

I use paper plates on a piece of cardboard to attach to the shooting stand - easy to put up and take down and gives me something to do with monitor or TV boxes versus throwing them out. So not trying to hit the 10 ring just keep it in the plate

Did better with the VP9 of course being a full sized pistol and the normal three dot which I am used to and all shots were good at 7 and 10 yards. Being a revolver shooter for most of the 31 years I’ve been shooting I’m still learning the whole striker fired stuff

No failures off any kind and left myself enough self defense ammo for two mags each gun
While down to one box of range FMJ for the .380 I stocked up in 2019 and have plenty of 9mm

On a whim decided to try my 36
It wears Pachmayr compact grips and the nice fella I bought it from (shout out to NY-1) off this forum had done an excellent job on red painting the front sight

Holy smokes
Three cylinders full at 7 yards and all were dead center on the plate and I could cover the 15 holes with the palm of my hand

Yeah it’s heavier
Yep it only has 5 rounds before a reload
But I’m a MUCH BETTER shot with it at self defense distances

Next time gonna try it at the 25 yard range just to see how I do

Started with a model 60 and foolishly sold it, then migrated through a bunch of pocket guns - Beretta .22, then Colt .380 then Ruger LCP, 36-10 I sold to a friend who just got her permit with some oversized grips and a Wilson spring kit I did, the 36, the LCP Max and now I’m back to my 36.

I trust the 36
I can carry it in all kinds of weather in my pocket
Like the fact it has an exposed hammer
And it’s a beauty to look at
And now three range trips in a row I don’t have the confidence to put a shot where it needs to be with that Ruger but I do with my 36!

I think I’ll sell the Max and three mags and use the money for a range gun or maybe another j frame

So which gun did you decide to carry and why?

On my person..every day....is a S&W M60 (three inch)....but if time allows...the Browing Hp will come out of the bag....that also goes everywhere with me....

The trend to smaller and smaller and lighter pistols is not always for the better beyond "bad breath" distances.

Been carrying 3rd Gen S&W, Sig P Series and Beretta Compacts since the 1990s.

My most frequent EDC since 1989 is a S&W 3913NL.... like Goldilocks not to big, not to small....... just right. IMHO the best single stack 9mm concealed carry gun produced. 25oz ; 7 or 8+1 carried in a Milt Sparks Executive Companion holster ( sits a tad lower than the Summer special)

Currently a Taurus G2 9mm. Very reliable compact pistol. I have never had any FTE or FTF issues. I concealed carried a 38 s&w 642 air weight for a few years, but at 5 shots and a stout snappy recoil it was time for a change. I may start carrying my s&w 3913 if I can ever find a descent holster for it. I have carried a Glock 19 at times in the winter months but not often. I am not a fan of small subcompact pistols like the lcp and other various models in that size range.

I had in the past owned a Glock 17 and a Glock 23 and found I couldn't shoot worth a darn with them. Problem was they didn't fit my hand. So I gave up on Glocks until about two years ago when I picked up a Glock 43 at the local pawn shop. Felt great so I took it home with me. When I went to the range I did great with it. Added a plus 2 mag and now carry it 90% of the time in a pocket holster.

I have been packing around an officer's size 1911 for quite some time. Usually an EMP (9mm frame) but sometimes a custom Kimber .38 super. The EMP fits my hands really well, has decent ammo capacity and will do the job if I hit with it.

For the last nine years; same pistol, same pocket, same Federal .380 ball.

Like Lynyrd I am a simple kind of man.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

Usually I carry a Colt Commander in 45 acp.

When I can’t carry the 1911, I carry a M38.

My S&W Model 3953 works best for me. The DAO trigger on this Gen3 model is remarkable and reminds me of the revolvers I carried on the job. It is also a fine shooter and easy to get a combat grip on the weapon while holstered IWB.

I've been carrying it as my EDC for years in a Don Hume H715-M WCS #28-1, a IWB open-top clip-on holster.

The holster also works well for my 3913s and 6906 round trigger guard.

Glock 43x with Shield Arms mags, unless I’m at work, then it’s a LCP Max in my pocket.

My EDC is either the no lock 340PD or LCP in a pocket holster. I shoot either one accurately at combat distance.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Not everyone can comfortably carry a full or even midsize pistol. So, even though they may be more accurate, they wouldn't do anyone any good sitting at home in the sock drawer or safe. I carry an M&P340 on an everyday basis and find it is quite easy to conceal. It is surprisingly more accurate than I was expecting. Not a whole lot of recoil but it sure feels like someone is slapping the palm of your hand sharply with a ruler. However, it sounds like you're more of a semi auto guy. The closest I come to a semi auto carry would be my Shield 45acp. Very easy to shoot and very accurate. At least out to 20 meters. I don't carry it because I'm really more of a revolver guy but if I had to carry one the Shield45 would be it. Attached is a photo of a target. This is 22 rounds fired at 20 meters. Not rapid fire but that's more a matter of the shooter rather than the gun itself. My phone turns all my pics sideways so the large, ragged hole should be at the 6 o'clock position. That one big hole is 11 rounds. The orange dot is 1 inch.

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Glock 30 or 6906. Either works for me. I shoot both about the same, the G30 tends to hurt my bad back as the day wears on, the 6906 carries a couple more rounds. Pretty even-steven in my book.

EDC is 640P Smith or G42 pocket carried around the farm and for most local activities. When forced to travel outside my comfort zone the pocket carry moves to my support side pocket as a BUG and I carry a G43X iwb.

In jacket weather I upgrade to either a G19 or 3" RB 13-2 owb under a thigh length cover garment.

I tried a very early production Shield Arms magazine and had serious feeding problems in both a 48 and a 43X that have and still do run right with factory mags. I've read that early bugs have been worked out and would love to have that 15 round capacity with the expected Glock function.

How long have you had your SA magazines and how many rounds did you put through it before you started to carry it? Did you switch out the magazine release?

I would really appreciate hearing about your experience with the SA magazine.

Thanks

I have a two part answer to the question.

Part 1: it's the handgun that you actually will carry and not tend to leave at home or in the vehicle.

Part 2: it's the handgun with ammo that meets the specific SD situation you get into that second.

In my case, much of the time it's a Glock 19. When I'm in shorts with front pockets but no belt loops it's a Ruger LCP II. If it's really cold outside and everyone is in the BIG coat it's a Glock 30. In all cases it's with factory ammo I've carefully researched then tested to run in my pistol. I do not trust any carry pistol until I've put at least 250 uneventful rounds down it, with the last few being my actual carry choice. I prefer to work all 250 rounds from my carry holster to check it out too.

I'm a J frame person but recently bought a Glock 26. Here's a 10 shot group at 25 yards using my cast boolit, powder-coated reloads. Dang. This thing is fun, but I will only carry it in very limited situations. The J frame is safer and it suits my needs.

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Like 1sailor, I can recommend the Shield 45 as a carry gun. It carries easily in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster in my right front pocket. It is also very accurate. Below is a photo of one of my better targets, 40 rounds at 15 yards using American Eagle 230g FMJ. Each square on the target is 1" x 1"

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What, me worry?

Carrying a 642-1 J frame now, warm weather it's a Springfield Armory 911 380 in front pocket, due to being lazy. +1 for the J frames, tho.

I have 2 and have had them about 3 months now. I first put 100 FMJ and 25 JHP through each with no failures, was confident to start carrying them. I now have over 250 mixed rounds through each, still with no failures.

I have not switched out the mag release and have no issues. I do have one though, but I’d have to run test over again so right now, all good.

Carrying 31 rounds in a fairly small package…

Someone will be along shortly to tell you you’ll die a horrible death unless you carry a Glock 19 and four mags.

I carry whatever strikes my fancy. I had to carry what the bosses said for 33 years, no more of that nonsense. Now my tactical decisions are determined by what I watch on TV. Key Largo - gimme that 1903. Sergeant Preston of the Yukon - that New Service will fit here somewhere. Don’t get me started on Magnum Force.

Right now? 2” Model 12. Broderick Crawford, baby.

Carry what you like. You will almost certainly never need it, and if you do almost anything will work.

Sounds like that J frame suits you just fine.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Grab a book and a calendar as he's on vacation.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

I’ve had to use my Jframe a few times over the years when I had a snake surprise in my face while working around the property. Also have used a Colt Woodsman to good effect.

Grimjaws - if you haven't tried it, before getting rid of your new LCP Max, try putting a $13 Hogue Handall grip on it. If it's like my Bodyguard, it will transform how the gun fits your hand, and how well you shoot it. Fits just fine in the same Nemesis holster, and personally, I can't tell a difference in my pocket.

My normal carry guns are a 642 (most of the time) and a BG 380 (the rest of the time). The BG doesn't fit my XXL hand at all, and was very unpleasant to shoot. I decided to try the Handall. Now I can shoot a box of .380 with no discomfort, but the best part was I shoot the gun better than I ever have. I shoot my guns out to 25 yards at every outing.

I have a 640 Pro that I shoot even better than the 642. Carried it for three months a year ago, then went back to the 642 for the light weight. Every great once in a while I carry a .45 Shield.

You won't find my trying to talk you out of carrying the 36.

Since I retired, a 1st. gen LCP in my pocket nearly every day. Out of the house, a Glock 26 for years - accurate and reliable. A Kimber Ultra Carry in .45 gets carried sometimes. In the past year and a half, the SIG P365 has replaced my Glock as my primary carry gun. Mostly because of it's size, and the fact that mine has proven reliable and accurate.

The right answer, really, is to carry what you like and you shoot well. Confidence in your carry weapon is important.

Larry

For me most everyday

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J frame all the way.

Where I live, I’ve had that philosophy for many years. Nowadays, when I wear a gun, which is not often, my old standbys (various Commanders, 3913/6906, 442/340, PPK) have been pretty much supplanted by the P365. But the .45 Commander is always hangin’ around somewhere not far away. Two Commanders just went to the range with me yesterday.

As far as the pistol fitting the need, for several years I spent a lot of time out on the property among the fishing ponds. The various water snakes sometimes thought they owned the place. That CEN-series 640 with rat shot discouraged many and killed the few that needed killed. Would have worked on the occasional feral dog, cat or other varmint that were intent on eating the native quail however they usually took off first. The 640 was easy to carry and conceal with a inside pants rig at 2 o'clock.

I can shoot any handgun well enough to qualify with it, but there are some guns I just prefer. Most of the time I carry double action revolvers, but sometimes I carry a Gov’t Model or a Glock 32. The Glock is generally for trips to Philly as a back up for my revolver. When I’m working I generally carry a 64-2 or SP-101, off the clock a 340 or 12-2.

I figure if you find a gun you like and can shoot well then carry it. If you want to haul around a 17 shot pistol and several mags then you should, but if you are happy with a Chiefs Special then that’s fine too. If you do need it, the revolver will do it’s job if you do yours. I have yet to have a subject say “that’s only a revolver, no big deal” when I have to point it at them.

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Wheel guns are real guns.

My normal carry is a Sig P365. It's very compact, it's very accurate and fits my hand quite well, even though I have large hands. Some days, just to be different, I'll carry one of my 1911s in .45 or 10mm, or one of my model 66s. But for everyday grab and go out the door it's my 365.

Shield Plus 9MM with orange Ameriglo i-dot night sights. I'm in love.

I have a deep and abiding affection for all-steel J-frames in general, and the 640 in particular, but they’re just a bit heavy for my preferred pocket carry. For several years my primary carry gun was a 642, but a year or so ago I gave it to a close friend. Ever since then I’ve been pocketing a Ruger LCR in 38 Special. While it’s ugly as homemade sin, it’s even lighter than my old 642, and it shoots well for me. I even picked up a .22LR version for practice/training/fun.

my selection varies with the weather (clothing choices)
warmer weather puts a Kahr PM9, Taurus 738 TCP in 380 or FEG PA-63 in 9x18MAK... cooler weather brings out the SIG P250C in 40s&w or 357SIG...

Sig P 239 DAK 40 in a Milt Sparks Criterion. I don't live in town and my needs are much different. I love this combination. {I have a couple, but the one I carry , I added Speed Sights. with trillium. Diamond shape, orange front, white rear}

I agree that a Model 60 you shoot well and have confidence in beats carrying anything you aren’t that confident with.

I’m a j frame fan and I carry a 640 Pro with .38+P in a pocket holster most of the time or an airweight model 38 when I need something lighter. Occasionally I will opt for a Sig p239 or P220 Carry OWB strong side when I want something a bit more comforting/capable.

I find the easiest to carry is my 642 in a soft remora holster. I can slip it into the pocket of my cargo shorts, no worries about safeties with the 10 lb trigger pull. I just bought a Sig 365XL, no safety. Love to shoot it, but wouldn't consider carrying it without a good holster and belt.

Ruger LCP Max... small, lightweight, fairly heavy trigger pull. What could go wrong?

I would guess that most shots started out low-right, then perhaps you compensated and shot high-left??? Then, maybe, all over the map?

A pistol in that configuration takes a lot of practice and trigger discipline. Try some snap-caps and shoot up the TV with a really good, steady grip. Things should get better with a little time and effort.

Good luck.

I've owned this 351 for a few years now and it gets carried more than a lot of my other guns, especially when I need to just grab something and go. I know a lot of people would say don't carry a rimfire but this 7 shot 22 mag revolver is super light and has almost no recoil. It's reliable (never had any misfires), easy to shoot, accurate, and easy to conceal. I also carry a speed loader just in case.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

SIG P365 for me most of the time I'm away from home. It hits the sweet spot for me in size, weight, capacity, power, shootability...you get the drift.

When I'm hanging around home, it can be any number of things. Hi-Power, 1911, j-frame.
Usually a .22, also, in case I feel like taking a few plinks along the way.

There's always something more substantial close by.

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Because of the metric system?

Which handgun works best for (me)?

The one I have access to when I need it.

That said I usually carry a SIG P365 and when I can't carry a gun, I have a .32 Seecamp in my back pocket.

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Bill

It has to be something you will carry all day, every day. Not on your person, it is probably of no value.

It has to be utterly reliable, and something you shoot well.

Bigger platforms are generally easier to shoot well, but you have to plan to dress around the gun.

Most of my carry choices are medium to full size duty pistols, 9mm or maybe larger. Under some circumstances I might carry a revolver, and most of the time that's a S&W 296 in a fanny pack. That's a specific choice for a specific reason/niche.

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NHI, 10-8.

A NM State Policeman walked into a robbery in Datil, NM, in the 1950s. He was disarmed by the robber, who ran out to his car to get away, firing blindly back at the store. The storekeeper threw a bolt-action 20 gauge to our officer, who incapacitated the robber with the 3 rounds of birdshot in the gun (there was a three-shot rule for hunting shotguns then).

When I don't carry My 1911 45 ACP I carry a Model 60.

A PA-63! Now there's an under-rated little gun! I've had several and was able to make head shots at 20 yds with them all, back when I was able to see the sights.

My Glock 19 and spare mags will certainly help me prevent dying a horrible death.

Ain't she a beauty!

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Live long and prosper

I have been carrying a Glock Model 26 since around 2000. It suits my needs perfectly. My wife, who is CCW, liked mine so much she bought one for herself. Now that the Model 43 is out, she would prefer that for the smaller grip frame. But the 43, like countless other semi auto pistols, is not available in CA (which of course makes us all safer) so the point is moot.

I don't care if it's ugly. It's a functional firearm; not my wife. I don't care if it has no soul (the relationship with self defense I have never grasped). I do care that it is reliable. The sound I never want to hear in the jungle is 'click'. For that I most trust the Glock.

Thanks for the response. Yours would have been purchased well after mine. I'll have to give this some thought.

Glad to hear they work for you.

I have been a huge fan of the P365 for a few years now. Light, compact, reliable, super accurate and even with the first issue standard magazine it is a 10+1 capacity pistol. I have no desire for larger capacity because it hinders pocket carry - which is great for me. 11 rounds of Federal 124 grain HST should get the job done if even needed (which I hope never happens).

I learned long ago carrying a big cumbersome and heavy Revolver or 1911 style pistol is not for me. Been there / tried that.

Before the P365 I used a Model 60-7 J Frame. Served me well fo many years but it was heavier, bulkier, printed more and held less than half the rounds of the P365. The straw that broke the Camel's back is that the P365 is so so much easier to shoot, has less recoil, can be shot faster with greater accuracy and again, 11 vs 5 without a reload!

I've been carrying S&W 3rd Gen 45s for the last 20 some odd years. I see no reason to change. Accurate and reliable. Durable too. I shoot them regularly.

In partial retirement, the CS45 model is most often the gun on my belt. Great little carry 45. Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change