Looking to buy a carry pistol.

[durandetto]

Plan on getting my cpl in the next couple months and looking for the right carry pistol. I currently own a Ruger p94dc .40 cal., but it's not the easiest to conceal. Torn between the shield and the "c" also .40 and 9mm. I like the double stack, but the shield fits better in my hand. I'm a big guy 6 ft 240. I want something I can conceal and enjoy shooting. From what I've read I'm leaning towards the 9mm shield, but prefer a .40 cal.

I live in Michigan, so mostly its cold but it also gets really hot for a couple months. I plan on carrying iwb, still trying to decide on what holster to buy. I would prefer something that doesn't require a belt because sometimes I wear gym shorts. I could get 2 different holsters, but the wife is still upset about me buying a gun so the less money the better. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ted




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[Rpg]

Try a M38 or 49 for pocket, hot weather and a Colt Commander (light weight) for cooler weather.

You'll never regret going to a 1911, nor will you find a better pocket handgun than the M38.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[snubbyfan]

I carry a 442 everyday all day either in my pocket or on my belt in one of my homemade holsters. The Pachmayr compact grip helps me hold it with my big hands.

 

[keithdog]

I used to carry a SW 4013TSW in .40 and sold that to purchase a 9MM Shield. Much lighter and less bulky, feels great in the hand, easy to conceal, comfortable to carry. A bit big for a pocket gun IMOH. I use a Kydex single clip on IWB holster from Multi Holsters. It's tuckable, has an FBI cant, light and made gun specific, so it fits perfectly. Cost me $65.00 which is very reasonable for a kydex holster. I couldn't see going to another .40 as I wanted a lighter and smaller gun, that didn't break the bank to shoot, and offered good self defense capability. Anyways, hope that helps you.

 

[durandetto]

I'm not looking to pocket a gun as I have my phone, pocket knife and wallet in my pockets most of the time. Just something that fits good iwb with lighter clothes on. Again I'm a big guy so I dont wear tight clothes. Usually wear a t shirt with an under shirt on warm days. Also I want something I can shoot and enjoy shooting not just something I have for life threatening situations.

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[bmb96mus]

I've tried gym shorts. Never worked for me with an iwb. The gun and holster were too heavy

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[STRONGNUFF]

Honestly you cant go wrong with a Shield in either 9mm or .40 cal. I am 6'6" tall and it still feels great in my hands and shots like a dream and conceals perfectly IMO. I use a IWB Hidden Hybrid Holster here in Texas with no issues, and everyone knows its like a Mircrowave oven here in the summer !

 

[federali]

Several issues

First, there's not a lot of difference in the terminal effects of the 9mm and the .40 S&W. I know this might rankle some card-carrying members of the .40 S&W brotherhood.

Secondly, at 6 feet, 240 pounds, that gun, carried in an IWB, will be surrounded by flesh. That means perspiration. So, I think you should be leaning toward stainless.

Third, carrying IWB without a belt increases your chances of losing the gun. Also, the gun is not properly secured in the event you either have to run or wrestle with an adversary. If you drop the gun in a skirmish and the bad guy recovers it first, it's best that the gun not have a front sight as it won't hurt as much when inserted into a body orifice of the gunman's choosing.

I know I'm being a bit tough here but no disrespect is intended. You must carry a gun as though you might some day use it and you must carry it securely. Once lost, it eventually drives the statistics that feeds the anti-gun people. Worse, some law abiding CCWs end up shot with their own guns.

 

[STRONGNUFF]

Secondly, at 6 feet, 240 pounds, that gun, carried in an IWB, will be smothered in flesh. That means perspiration. So, I think you should be leaning toward stainless.

Not to bicker, but the Shield is Stainless, well the slide and barrel is and the rest is composite so I don't see where perspiration would be an issue with a Shield vs an ALL stainless gun. ;-)

 

[S&WForty]

I bought one of those Velcro "instructor belts" to wear over my warmup pants this past winter. I then put my Shield in a DeSantis (?) Mini-scabbard OWB holster. A shirt large enough conceals it. I'll try that with shorts soon.

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[Jeep81]

I'm 6'3", 230 lb and I can comfortably conceal my shield iwb with a kydex holster I got from Rubicon Tactical. I've also tried it with gym shorts but you really have to tie the drawstring tight so the weight of the gun doesn't pull them down. Also without a belt the holster isn't really clipped on to the shorts very securely.

As far as a gun you will enjoy shooting, the shield definitely fits the bill. I've easily shot over 150 rounds in a single range session without hesitation. The only problem is your going to want extra mags or you will be constantly reloading the 2 that come with it.

 

[redneckemt]

I m 5'9 190lbs and I can can conceal a Glock 21 (45acp). Get a good holster (I use a Raven Concealment Systems) leather or kydex. Buy your pants one size larger, wear a good belt. Tailor your clothes around carrying a gun.

I still carry a shield and or a j frame or two from time to time just because they are easy to drop in a pocket and run.


Oh and for carrying while wearing gym shorts. Belly band

 

[dajogejr]

6'....250ish
I'm a c fan, don't care for the shields. Just personal preference.
I use a littlefoxx iwb.
I have a old faithful as well. I like the foxx.
I'm a .40 guy....as others said, with good ammo 9 or 40 are great for sd and carry.
Where in MI are you? I'm in SE Michigan, you're welcome to shoot my 40c or my girls 9c anytime if you want to pay for ammo...
Hers is stock, mine has the apex dcaek kit, so you could see the difference there as well.

I can't help with gym shorts. I'm wearing cargo type shorts with a belt or jeans...

 

[pineappleshooter]

Try the Remora holster for carry with gym shorts. It is about the only holster I have tried that does well without a belt.

 

[Arik]

I m 5'9 190lbs and I can can conceal a Glock 21 (45acp). Get a good holster (I use a Raven Concealment Systems) leather or kydex. Buy your pants one size larger, wear a good belt. Tailor your clothes around carrying a gun.

I still carry a shield and or a j frame or two from time to time just because they are easy to drop in a pocket and run.


Oh and for carrying while wearing gym shorts. Belly band

What he said^

I'm 6 ft and 165 lbs and I conceal a full size gun in the summer. Proper belt and holster hold the gun tight to your body and blend the lines. I wear a tank top underneath so the holster doesn't rub skin and a slight, loose t shirt overtop. Loose enough not to be skin tight

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[hangnoose]

MURPHY'S LAW

Everything from the gun/belt/holster comes with pros/cons. You may not be the one who needs to use the gun in the event you are surprised & knocked out or shot, or any # of scenarios. Your wife or a complete stranger that has never held a gun may need to use yours to protect you and others. I try to think of as many/all the "what could possibly go wrong here events" and eliminate as many as possible and stick to the KISS principal. IMO a J frame type enclosed hammer revolver wins out about all the time. NO hammer to snag on anything, it's harder for dust/pocket lint to enter the gun, no safety, nothing to do but point & squeeze the trigger, it could be fired from inside a pocket, pressed against a BG's body won't set it out of battery, it's harder for someone to take from you, it won't leave shell casings all over (if that matters to you), no mag release button to get bumped & have your mag pop out just enough to jam on the second shot (which we see OFTEN) in steel challenge & bowling pin. Carrying in shorts without a belt is tough, the gun had better be as light as possible, and a holster system that keeps it close & secure enough to run/sit without it bouncing around or falling out. There certainly is a time place for semi's, (preferably one of each) and I believe the JM Browning 1911 is about the best pistol ever designed, BUT FOR ME, no safeties on, grips/triggers/hammers thank you and da/sa capable for a CC handgun.

 

[dajogejr]

Guys...I dont' think he's looking for a revolver.
Looking for a plastic gun between a c and a shield.

His original post:

"I currently own a Ruger p94dc .40 cal., but it's not the easiest to conceal. Torn between the shield and the "c" also .40 and 9mm. I like the double stack, but the shield fits better in my hand. I'm a big guy 6 ft 240. I want something I can conceal and enjoy shooting. From what I've read I'm leaning towards the 9mm shield, but prefer a .40 cal. "

 

[johnbeaver]

There are several good and better carry weapons mentioned here along with holsters. Try to find one and try before you buy.
But I think the big issue is to get the gun thing worked out with your wife, FIRST.
Just my thoughts.

 

[mustangman]

I chose the Shield .40. Nothing wrong with the C, or 9mm, just my preference and what works best for me. I carry OWB, right hand crossdraw, so even the slightest diff in size helps conceal it better. As far as capacity goes, I carry the 6 round mag with one in the pipe, and 2 7 rounders right behind the gun. If that aint enough ammo, then I'm in more trouble than a pistol can get me out of anyway.

 

[gwpercle]

Here's some advice gleaned from a long search for the "perfect" carry gun...started out with a full size 1911, have gone through several makes, models...all the way from 45 acp to 32 acp. What works best...there is no perfect, everything is a compromise,
S&W J-frame Airweight in 38 special. J frame in 357 mag. is too much of a good thing..go all steel for this.
The airweight is light enough and small enough not to be a burden and the bottom line is if it's not ON you it's not going to help when you need it.
Mine is a model 637, it has an exposed hammer, people claim it will hang up...it hasn't ever been a problem in 7 years carry and practice . I can trim it back with a dremel tool and cut-off wheel which I was going to do but it's just not necessary. Draws clean every time.
Gary