EDC Considerations

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Take Professional Training.

Because “luck” only goes so far.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Not something I worry about. I’ll just reach in my gun safe and grab another gun.

Only one gun that I will not carry is my model 19. It was handed down to me.

 

[GnarlsR2]

Having my firearm confiscated and the possible loss after a self-defense incident where I had to fire it would be the very least of my thoughts and concerns.

On the list of factors that would determine my choice of a CC or EDC for defense, confiscation, loss, or cost of the firearm would not be on that list.

 

[Smoke]

 

[Mainsail]

The other end of the spectrum - my old boss carried a cheap revolver because his plan for self-defense involved tossing the gun into the nearest body of water, which you're never far from in western WA.

 

[Jon651]

Like many others I've spent considerable time and money trying to decide on the best option for me. There are several factors to consider with some being vital such as reliability, proficiency with the weapon, confidence in the caliber, etc.

One factor that is often mentioned is having the weapon confiscated as evidence with the primary concern being the dollar value of that weapon that may be lost forever. If I am ever unfortunate enough to have to use a weapon for self defense and am fortunate enough to survive the incident I don't believe the dollar value of that weapon will be a primary concern.

I am interested in the thoughts of others.

1. I read as much information as I could about self-defense situations as they relate to carrying a handgun. That gave me knowledge about how many rounds I would like to have in my EDC. This gave me some reassurance that I didn't need a high capacity or something that I would need to use at longer ranges.
2. I considered the caliber. This included not only the stopping power but the availability/cost. As an example, this ruled out .380 for me due to the lower power and near impossibility of getting any during the pandemic. I decided to remain with .45 as I was very comfortable and familiar with shooting it, it was easy to find, relatively inexpensive, always available even during the pandemic, and had good stopping power.
3. I considered the construction. Since I was narrowing in on a smaller pistol with a larger caliber, I wanted to stay all-metal for the added weight/mass due to the recoil.
4. I considered size and shape. I decided on a single-stack mag to keep it slender, a shorter barrel and without anything to catch while drawing (spurless hammer, low profile sights, smooth flanks, etc.).
5. Lastly, I considered what I was already familiar and comfortable with - which led me to put 3rd Gen semi-auto S&Ws on the top of my list.

My results were the two S&W Chief Specials I now use in my rotation - my CS45 and CS45D, both of which I've purchased from members right here on this forum. I have both in my rotation so if one is confiscated as evidence I will still have the other. So far - absolutely no regrets!

 

[Valmet]

I have guns i bought for collecting all the other regardless of price are tools that i use as needed.

+1. I consider EDC guns tools, plain and simple. That said I take care of them but they aren’t priceless one of a kind items. For the record I ccw a Glock 43 and an occasional J-frame.

 

[Chuck Edwards]

I'd like to make a wee point. Once you've finalized what you're going to carry, buy a duplicate and break it in. If your trusty defender spends some time as evidence, you don't want to be learning a new firearm system while there might be folks who don't appreciate your point of view.

What he said.

Additionally, even well-made pistols break occasionally. Having an identical or near-identical gun lets you continue using the system you're familiar with. That's an excellent excuse reason to have multiple K frames.

Rather than buying the latest UberMegaSuperblaster, after you've got two same or similar pistols, spend money on ammo and training. Then go to the range monthly or more often.

If you're able to conceal a full-size pistol and can handle the recoil, police trade-in M&P40s and Glock 22/23s are currently in the $250 range. You can buy two of them for less than a decent K frame costs, ammo is readily available, and there's nothing wrong with their performance. If it gets confiscated, it won't be as painful as losing your Registered Magnum.

 

[Brian Parrish]

1. I read as much information as I could about self-defense situations as they relate to carrying a handgun. That gave me knowledge about how many rounds I would like to have in my EDC. This gave me some reassurance that I didn't need a high capacity or something that I would need to use at longer ranges.
2. I considered the caliber. This included not only the stopping power but the availability/cost. As an example, this ruled out .380 for me due to the lower power and near impossibility of getting any during the pandemic. I decided to remain with .45 as I was very comfortable and familiar with shooting it, it was easy to find, relatively inexpensive, always available even during the pandemic, and had good stopping power.
3. I considered the construction. Since I was narrowing in on a smaller pistol with a larger caliber, I wanted to stay all-metal for the added weight/mass due to the recoil.
4. I considered size and shape. I decided on a single-stack mag to keep it slender, a shorter barrel and without anything to catch while drawing (spurless hammer, low profile sights, smooth flanks, etc.).
5. Lastly, I considered what I was already familiar and comfortable with - which led me to put 3rd Gen semi-auto S&Ws on the top of my list.

My results were the two S&W Chief Specials I now use in my rotation - my CS45 and CS45D, both of which I've purchased from members right here on this forum. I have both in my rotation so if one is confiscated as evidence I will still have the other. So far - absolutely no regrets!

That is what I'm talkin' about!
Havin' reasons.
And havin' your OWN reasons.
Way.
To.
Go.

Best Respect to You!
BrianD

 

[Super Trucker]

Get a tool that gives you the best possible outcome in all situations, cist should not matter.
If you need it and it's confiscated, who cares you are alive.
My EDC is a heavily modified M&P, which would cost about $2200 to replace.
If my (or my families) life isn't worth $2200 I deserve to not survive the fight.

 

[Faulkner]

Going home at the end of the day is priceless. Carry what works. If lost to evidence and you went home to your family, consider it money well spent.

Yep, I agree. Tactical considerations take priority over value.

Besides, we're all much more likely to get involved in a auto accident than a gunfight. I don't drive around in a Yugo because I'm afraid I might damage my ride if I get in a car wreck.

 

[sotexas]

Getting confiscated as evidence has never crossed my mind when deciding what I will carry. I own SA and Custom 1911's and S&W polymer Semi Auto's. I will carry any of the collection. I will add the Shield Plus (both lengths) and Commander 1911 are carried the most.

 

[Rob613]

My old LGS has a policy that if you buy a gun and have to use it in a good SD shoot, when the gun gets confiscated they will replace it for free.

It’s NY so you’re never getting that gun back.

 

[rockquarry]

My old LGS has a policy that if you buy a gun and have to use it in a good SD shoot, when the gun gets confiscated they will replace it for free.

It’s NY so you’re never getting that gun back.

How many has the gun shop replaced?

 

[Oldsalt66]

The gun that saved your life doesn't owe you any money, so you might as well carry the one that you'd most like to find in your hand in the unfortunate event that things go bad and you need to use it in self defense.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Money is no object. I carry guns that I can use if I need to and their value is irrelevant. Having one of them confiscated after a righteous shoot is also irrelevant. It so happens that my EDCs are not exceedingly expensive but if I wanted to carry a high dollar gun I'd be carrying it for it's value in a defensive situation, not for what it cost me. And since I only carry guns that use "normal" ammunition, meaning readily available anywhere in America, that's not a consideration, either. Will the ammunition do its job is the sole consideration.

 

[magnum0710]

What he said.

Additionally, even well-made pistols break occasionally. Having an identical or near-identical gun lets you continue using the system you're familiar with. That's an excellent excuse reason to have multiple K frames.

Rather than buying the latest UberMegaSuperblaster, after you've got two same or similar pistols, spend money on ammo and training. Then go to the range monthly or more often.

If you're able to conceal a full-size pistol and can handle the recoil, police trade-in M&P40s and Glock 22/23s are currently in the $250 range. You can buy two of them for less than a decent K frame costs, ammo is readily available, and there's nothing wrong with their performance. If it gets confiscated, it won't be as painful as losing your Registered Magnum.

I'm starting to think the "multiple K frame route" is the way to go for me personally. Only my K frame is a Ruger Speed Six. I wanted a 6 round 357 that I could conceal yet still have good control with full power magnums. It's really the perfect carry magnum for me. I started thinking about what I'd do in the event it got confiscated. It's hard to find a Speed Six for a decent price these days. This one was a project gun I restored so it's perfect for its intended role. Right now I'm saving so I can have a nicer one put away in the event something happened to this one. I'm hoping to get one of the true 3 inch models instead of another 2.75. I thought about getting a Rossi RP63 too, the black/blue one really reminds me of the Model 13 only with a full.shroud. I wouldn't be too sad if I lost the Rossi but I'd be sad if I lost my Speed Six. Who knows maybe I find a good deal on a worn 13 or 65 3 inch and then if I lost my Speed Six I'd still have one of my favorites put away.

 

[stanmerrell]

Pick a gun and holster and try it out carrying at home for a few weeks. Once you feel it's right, use it, or choose another. I think what often gets overlooked is the holster. I'm leaning towards retention holsters these days...